Q32: Ferrets and their kin

Image from Fitzroy hospital

1. Unbelievably, ferrets have been domesticated for more than 2000 years.  They belong to the subfamily _________ which contains 5 subgenera - name the subgenera and their common names.

2. The ferret is being used to replace the cat in which (general) types of experiment?

3. What special light considerations are needed to maintain successful breeding in ferrets in the lab?

4.  What features of the gastrointestinal tract are reflective of the fact that they are strict carnivores?

5. What features of their reproductive cycle make them good research subjects for study of the HPA axis?

6. Which organism commonly causes acute abdominal distension with dyspnoea and cyanosis in weanlings subjected to sudden dietary changes or overeating?

7. Which organism is widespread in ferrets, often asymptomatic, but can cause gastritis and peptic ulcers?  How would you treat it?

8. Which organism is commonly associated with proliferative bowel disease?

9.  What is the most serious viral disease of ferrets causing almost 100% mortality?  Describe the phases of this disease.

10.  What viral disease would you suspect if the principal signs were hypergammaglobulinemia and chronic weight loss?  What is the most consistent histological finding with this disease? Is there a vaccine available?

11. Which disease is a zoonosis and has been used extensively to model the disease in humans?

12. What clinical chemistry abnormalities are found in 70% or more of ferrets with pregnancy toxemia?  What percentage of ferrets with this condition will be anemic?

13. What is the treatment for hyperestrogenism?

14.  Which 4 types of cancer account for most ferret neoplasms?

15. In aging ferrets, what common condition presents with weight loss, lethargy and anorexia?

ANSWERS POSTED HERE

Q 31. Other rodents

This week we will cover some of the less well known species that have some interesting and unique features that are useful for research.

1.  Match the following rodents with their suborders:


Suborders:

1. Sciuromorpha
2. Hystricomorpha
3. Myomorpha
4. Castorimorpha

Rodents
Chinchilla, kangaroo rat, prairie dog, hamster, naked mole rat, mice, guinea pigs, pocket gophers, voles, degus, squirrels, gerbils, grasshopper mouse

2. Why is there a ban on import of exotic African rodents for the pet trade?  Which of the rodents was involved in the incident that resulted in this ban?

3.  What is the genus and species of the kangaroo rats?  List 3 uses in research and indicate what features of the kangaroo rat make them useful for these models.

4. Which of the rodents listed in Q1  hibernate?

5. What are the genus and species of the 2 deer mice?   List 2 major N American zoonotic diseases for which they are a vector.  Bonus question: how many other zoonotic diseases can you name that they can be a vector for?

6. Which rodent (genus species, common name) is the natural host for Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever?

7. How do you collect blood from the cotton rat? (hint:it's not the usual site)

8. Two of these rodents are used to study dental disease.  Which rodents and which diseases are they used for?

9. Which rodent is the model for Zollinger Ellison syndrome?  What is Zollinger Ellison syndrome?

10. Which rodent is carnivorous?

11. Identify these rodents (common name, genus and species) - as a lot of them look similar- I've provided some hints!

Indifferent to photoperiods...

Um... white..?

Resistant to venom and eats scorpions

Look at the ears! ( and can't make up it's mind about shiny objects)

hint - it's not a mouse

check out that coat!

This one should be obvious

Look at those feet!

Federally endangered!

name means small ears

How did you do?

ANSWERS POSTED HERE