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Halck ML, Schoemaker NJ, van Zeeland YRA. Ferret Dermatology. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2023; 26:359-382. [PMID: 36965876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Skin diseases commonly affect pet ferrets, with neoplastic, endocrine, and parasitic diseases being the most common. This review includes clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of diseases with a dermatologic presentation in ferrets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nico J Schoemaker
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Yvonne R A van Zeeland
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Carroll KE, Mackiewicz AL, Ardeshir A, Alber SA, Christe KL. Hormonal Suppression in Female Rhesus Macaques ( Macaca mulatta) Implanted Subcutaneously with Deslorelin. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2022; 61:226-233. [PMID: 35512995 PMCID: PMC9137286 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-21-000140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Providing effective contraception for nonhuman primates (NHP) is challenging. Deslorelin acetate is a commercially available gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist that may provide a relatively noninvasive, long-lasting, and potentially reversible alternative to standard NHP contraception methods. This study evaluated the duration of suppression of progesterone and estradiol in 6 adult female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) that received a single subcutaneous 4.7 mg deslorelin implant. We hypothesized that deslorelin would suppress production of these hormones for 6 mo with a correspond- ing cessation of menses. Prior to implantation, blood was collected over 1 mo for baseline hormone analyses. Macaques were sedated at the onset of the next menstrual cycle and a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant was placed in the interscapular region. Blood was collected over the subsequent month at the same intervals used for the baseline collection schedule, and then every 7 d thereafter. Results showed that estradiol and progesterone transiently increased 1 to 3 d after implantation, then fell to basal levels within 6 d of implantation. The duration of hormone suppression (progesterone <0.5 ng/mL) varied among animals. Two macaques returned to cyclicity by 96 d and 113 d after implantation, while hormones remained suppressed in the other 4 macaques at 6 mo after implantation. Cessation of menses correlated with hormone suppression except in 1 animal that continued to have sporadic vaginal bleeding despite progesterone remaining below 0.5 ng/mL. This study indicates that deslorelin is a noninvasive and long-lasting contraceptive method in female rhesus macaques. However, individual variation should be considered when determining reimplantation intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E Carroll
- Primate Medicine Services, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California;,
| | - Alexis L Mackiewicz
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Amir Ardeshir
- Infectious Disease Unit, California National Primate Research Center, and
| | - Susan A Alber
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Kari L Christe
- Primate Medicine Services, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California
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Wright T, Eshar D, Rooney T, Berle ECP. Use of a deslorelin implant for management of hyperandrogenism associated with excessive sex hormone production in a female spayed pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). J Exot Pet Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Hollwarth AJ, Froelich F, Stidworthy MF. Hormonal implant‐associated soft tissue sarcoma in a domestic ferret (
Mustela putorius furo
). VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/vrc2.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Sangiorgi ZV, Boss MK, Leary D, Prebble AR, Harrison LG, Carlson TA, LaRue SM, Johnston MS. Hypofractionated radiation therapy for treatment of an adrenal mass in a ferret. J Exot Pet Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
Ferrets are considered geriatric at 3 years of age. Twice-yearly physical examinations with additional testing finds problems and leads to prompt treatments that extend quality of life for the ferret. Bloodwork, urinalysis, dental examination, and imaging including radiographs and ultrasonography should be performed at least annually. Specialized testing includes echocardiography, electrocardiology, blood pressure, computed tomography scanning, and dental radiography depending on the ferret. Common problems include dental disease, cardiomyopathy, renal disease, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic gastrointestinal disorders, and neoplasias. Insulinoma, adrenal neoplasia, lymphoma, and skin tumors are commonly found neoplasias. Medical and surgical treatments and adjunctive complimentary therapies are discussed.
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Abstract
Urogenital lesions are relatively common in ferrets. Renal disease is diagnosed as in traditional small animal medicine; however, peculiarities in ferrets include physiologically low levels of creatinine. Renal cysts are very common in ferrets but are usually incidental findings. Uroliths are usually composed of struvite or cystine. Urethral obstruction in male ferrets is predominantly caused by adrenal-associated prostatic disease. Spontaneous cystitis is rare in ferrets. Primary reproductive disease is uncommon in ferrets in the United States where animals are usually neutered at 6 weeks of age. In other countries, ferrets either remain unneutered or are neutered at 5 to 6 months of age. Ferrets are seasonal breeders, and female are induced ovulators. Prolonged estrus and hyperestrogenism often causes profound bone marrow suppression.
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Bo P, Tagliavia C, Canova M, De Silva M, Bombardi C, Grandis A. Comparative characterization of the prostate gland in intact, and surgically and chemically neutered ferrets. J Exot Pet Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2019.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Coutant T, Vergneau-Grosset C, Langlois I. Overview of Drug Delivery Methods in Exotics, Including Their Anatomic and Physiologic Considerations. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2018; 21:215-259. [PMID: 29655468 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Drug delivery to exotic animals may be extrapolated from domestic animals, but some physiologic and anatomic differences complicate treatment administration. Knowing these differences enables one to choose optimal routes for drug delivery. This review provides practitioners with a detailed review of the currently reported methods used for drug delivery of various medications in the most common exotic animal species. Exotic animal peculiarities that are relevant for drug administration are discussed in the text and outlined in tables and boxes to help the reader easily find targeted information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Coutant
- Zoological Medicine Service, Department of Clinical Sciences, CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec J2S2M2, Canada
| | - Claire Vergneau-Grosset
- Zoological Medicine Service, Department of Clinical Sciences, CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec J2S2M2, Canada
| | - Isabelle Langlois
- Zoological Medicine Service, Department of Clinical Sciences, CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec J2S2M2, Canada.
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Abstract
This literature review covers approximately 35 years of veterinary medicine. This article develops the current state of knowledge in pet ferret medicine regarding the most common diseases according to evidence-based data and gives insight into further axis of research. Literature review was conducted through identification of keywords (title + ferret) with Web-based database searching. To appreciate the methodological quality and the level of evidence of each article included in the review, full-text versions were reviewed and questions addressed in the articles were formulated. Analysis of the articles' content was performed by the authors, and relevant clinical information was extracted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Huynh
- Exotic Department, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis, 43 Avenue Aristide Briand, Arcueil 94110, France.
| | - Lucile Chassang
- Exotic Department, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis, 43 Avenue Aristide Briand, Arcueil 94110, France
| | - Graham Zoller
- Exotic Department, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis, 43 Avenue Aristide Briand, Arcueil 94110, France
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Calicchio KW, Bennett RA, Laraio LC, Weisse C, Zwingenberger AL, Rosenthal KL, Johnston MS, Campbell VL, Solomon JA. Collateral circulation in ferrets (Mustela putorius) during temporary occlusion of the caudal vena cava. Am J Vet Res 2016; 77:540-7. [PMID: 27111022 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.77.5.540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether extent of collateral circulation would change during temporary occlusion of the caudal vena cava (CVC) in ferrets (Mustela putorius), a pressure change would occur caudal to the occlusion, and differences would exist between the sexes with respect to those changes. ANIMALS 8 adult ferrets (4 castrated males and 4 spayed females). PROCEDURES Ferrets were anesthetized. A balloon occlusion catheter was introduced through a jugular vein, passed into the CVC by use of fluoroscopy, positioned cranial to the right renal vein, and inflated for 20 minutes. Venography was performed 5 and 15 minutes after occlusion. Pressure in the CVC caudal to the occlusion was measured continuously. A CBC, plasma biochemical analysis, and urinalysis were performed immediately after the procedure and 2 or 3 days later. RESULTS All 8 ferrets survived the procedure; no differences were apparent between the sexes. Vessels providing collateral circulation were identified in all ferrets, indicating blood flow to the paravertebral venous plexus. Complications observed prior to occlusion included atrial and ventricular premature contractions. Complications after occlusion included bradycardia, seizures, and extravasation of contrast medium. Mean baseline CVC pressure was 5.4 cm H2O. During occlusion, 6 ferrets had a moderate increase in CVC pressure (mean, 24.3 cm H2O) and 2 ferrets had a marked increase in CVC pressure to > 55.0 cm H2O. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Caval occlusion for 20 minutes was performed in healthy ferrets with minimal adverse effects noted within the follow-up period and no apparent differences between sexes. The CVC pressure during occlusion may be prognostic in ferrets undergoing surgical ligation of the CVC, which commonly occurs during adrenal tumor resection.
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Abstract
It is important that veterinarians treating exotic companion mammals stay abreast of the latest developments relating to medications and drug delivery approaches for safety, efficacy and welfare issues. Sustained release formulations of commonly used drugs as well as newer routes for administration of therapeutic agents allow the veterinarian treating exotic companion mammals to reduce the stress associated with drug administration. Interactions can occur between vehicle and drugs when formulations are compounded, therefore research studies are warranted regarding potential problems associated with these formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle G Hawkins
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 2108 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Abstract
Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) belong to the ancient family Mustelidae, which is believed to date back to the Eocene period, some 40 million years ago. The taxonomic groups in the family Mustelidae, as recognized by Nowak (1999), include 67 species in 25 genera from North, Central, and South America; Eurasia; and Africa. No other carnivore shows such diversity of adaptation, being found in a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from arctic tundra to tropical rainforests. Mustelids have retained many primitive characteristics, which include relatively small size, short stocky legs, five toes per foot, elongated braincase, and short rostrum (Anderson, 1989). The Mustelinae is the central subfamily of the Mustelidae. The best-known members of the Mustelinae are the weasels, mink, ferrets (genus Mustela), and the martens (genus Martes) (Anderson, 1989). The genus Mustela is divided into five subgenera: Mustela (weasels), Lutreola (European mink), Vison (American mink), Putorius (ferrets), and Grammogale (South American weasels). The smallest member of the Mustelidae family is the least weasel (Mustela nivalis), which weighs as little as 25 g, and the largest member is the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), which can weigh as much as 45 kg (Nowak, 1999).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joerg Mayer
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia Athens, Georgia
| | - Robert P. Marini
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - James G. Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA, USA
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The use of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog deslorelin for short-term contraception in red pandas (Ailurus fulgens). Theriogenology 2014; 81:220-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Chen S, Michels D, Culpepper E. Nonsurgical management of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2014; 17:35-49. [PMID: 24274921 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Several medical therapeutic options are available for the management of the clinical signs of adrenal disease in ferrets. Many of these medical modalities seem to be well tolerated and are a suitable alternative to adrenalectomy, especially for ferrets that are not surgical candidates. However, drugs that are currently available only manage the symptoms and do not provide a cure for the diseased adrenal gland, which may continue to enlarge. The medical management of urinary obstruction caused by prostatic enlargement and nonregenerative anemia caused by hyperestrogenism are also discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Chen
- Gulf Coast Avian & Exotics, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, 1111 West Loop South, Suite 110, Houston, TX 77027, USA.
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Use of a GnRH vaccine, GonaCon, for prevention and treatment of adrenocortical disease (ACD) in domestic ferrets. Vaccine 2013; 31:4619-23. [PMID: 23906891 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical disease (ACD) is a common problem in surgically sterilized, middle-aged to old ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). The adrenal tissues of these ferrets develop hyperplasia, adenomas, or adenocarcinomas, which produce steroid hormones including estradiol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione. Major clinical signs attributable to overproduction of these hormones are alopecia (hair loss) in both sexes and a swollen vulva in females. Pruritus, muscle atrophy, hind limb weakness, and sexual activity or aggression are also observed in both sexes. Males can develop prostatic cysts, prostatitis, and urethral obstruction. ACD is thought to be linked to continuous and increased LH secretion, due to lack of gonadal hormone feedback in neutered ferrets. This continuous elevated LH acts on adrenal cortex LH receptors, resulting in adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal tumor. This study investigated whether the immunocontraceptive vaccine GonaCon, a GnRH vaccine developed to reduce the fertility of wildlife species and the spread of disease, could prevent or delay onset of ACD and treat alopecia in ferrets with existing ACD. Results showed that GonaCon provided relief from ACD by causing production of antibodies to GnRH, probably suppressing production and/or release of LH. Treatment caused many ACD symptoms to disappear, allowing the ferrets to return to a normal life. The study also found that the probability of developing ACD was significantly reduced in ferrets treated with GonaCon when young (1-3 years old) compared to untreated control animals. GonaCon caused injection site reaction in some animals when administered as an intramuscular injection but caused few side effects when administered subcutaneously. Both intramuscular and subcutaneous vaccination resulted in similar levels of GnRH antibody titers. Subcutaneous vaccination with GonaCon is thus recommended to prevent the onset of ACD and as a possible treatment for ACD-signs in domestic ferrets.
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Lennox AM, Wagner R. Comparison of 4.7-mg Deslorelin Implants and Surgery for the Treatment of Adrenocortical Disease in Ferrets. J Exot Pet Med 2012. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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