Description

Exotic animal internal medicine reviewing briefly important ferret anatomy, physiology, diagnostics, differentials list, interpretation, diagnoses, plans and treatments. Ferrets are frequently presented due to collapse, and since they likely have not eaten for more than 4 hours, have a lower resting glucose than dogs or cats and so the diagnosis of hypoglycemia due to insulinoma is made and the ferret started on prednisone. This discussion will be about how in most times that is incorrect.

Learning Objectives

• Understanding basic ferret anatomy and physiology as pertains to metabolism and disease.
• Making an appropriate differential diagnoses list.
• Obtaining appropriate diagnostics including imaging.
• Immediate treatment of the ferret.
• Based on the diagnosis, development of a treatment plan including instructing the owners on what to look for and do for their ferret.