FYI Articles 5

       BASIC RABBIT CARE 

Contributed by Dr. Paul Stewart

Quick Rabbit Facts:

• Life span:  5-8 years

• Male ("buck"):  breeds at 6-10 months

• Female ("doe"):  breeds at 4-9 months

• Gestation period:  29-35 days

• Litter size: 4-10 babies ("kittens")

• Weaning age:  4-6 weeks

• Body temperature:  99-103 degrees F.

Diet:  Weaned growing rabbits under 4 months of age should eat fresh alfalfa hay, good quality grass or alfalfa pellets and fresh vegetables.  At 4 months of age the diet should be slowly changed to timothy hay and fresh vegetables with pellets being used as a supplement.  Grass pellets help to prevent obesity versus alfalfa pellets and they produce less calcium by-products in the urine.

Grooming:

• Nails-clip regularly.

• Coat-brush coat to remove excessive hair at least 2-3 times per week.

• Teeth-allow access to approved rabbit chew toys and long stem hay at all times.

Common Diseases and Conditions:

• hairballs

• torticollis (wryneck)

• ear infections

• breast tumors

• fur mites

• heat stress

• fractures (especially spinal)

• dental disease

• respiratory disease (snuffles)

• foot infections

• uterine tumors (if not spayed)

• urinary tract disease

• diarrhea

Preventative Health Care:

• All rabbits should be examined initially as a new pet, then once per year for annual comprehensive physical, weigh-in, dental evaluation and fecal exam.  As a rabbit ages, more frequent visits may be necessary based on his or her condition.

• Weighing your rabbit monthly may help in early detection of disease.

• Teeth should be checked frequently for overgrowth and poor alignment

• Urine and feces should not be allowed to build up in or underneath the cage.

• Discuss flea and other parasite prevention with your veterinarian.

• Spaying females at 4-6 months of age will help prevent uterine and breast cancer.

• Neutering males at 4-6 months of age may help prevent behavioral disorders and pregnancy if housed with a female.

• Cat laxative or fresh pineapple juice can be given in small amounts 2-3 times per week as hairball prevention.

• If your rabbit has free roam of an area in your house, check the area first for electrical wires, rubber/plastic/foam or metal objects , house plants and chemicals that could be dangerous to your pet.

Remember:  You have chosen a non-domestic animal for a pet.  In the wild, these animals hide symptoms of illness until they are very sick.  This is to prevent a predator from singling them out and having them for lunch!  Watch closely for signs of illness in your pet.  If you see abnormal behavior, act quickly.  It may make a life or death difference for your pet.

We highly recommend that you continue to learn as much as you can about your new pet.  His or her life depends n it.  The library, breeders, pet stores, bookstores, the Internet and your exotic pet veterinarian are all good resources.  We learn more and more every day about these animals and staying current will help your pet live a longer, happier life.

BASIC FERRET CARE

Contributed by Dr. Paul Stewart

Quick ferret facts:

        Life span: 5-8 years
        Adult male weight: 1 3/4 to  6 lbs
        Adult female weight: 1 ½ to 2 1/4 lbs
        Body temperature: 100-104 degrees F.
        Weaning age: 6 weeks

Diet:    Several ferret diets are available through your local pet store.  Our hospital uses Totally Ferret. Occasional supplements (Ferretone/raisins/canned cat food) can be given in small amounts.

 Grooming:
        Nails - clip regularly.
        Coat - use kitten-safe shampoos.  Bathe every 2-4 weeks. 
        Teeth - use pet-safe tooth paste and brush teeth frequently (can use a Q-tip).
        Ears - clean with vinegar and water (1:1) on a cotton ball  (not swab) as needed.

Common diseases and conditions:

• foreign body ingestion and obstruction

• pancreatic tumors

• epizootic catarrhal enteritis (green slime)

• lymphoma/lymphosarcoma

• adrenal tumors

• heart disease

• distemper

• kidney disease

• dental disease

• ear mites 

Preventative health care:

* Annual comprehensive physical exams and fecal analysis may detect underlying disease before it becomes severe. As your ferret ages, other annual tests may be recommended by your veterinarian.

* Vaccines needed:
                Annual rabies vaccine (Imrab) beginning at 12 weeks of age.
                Canine distemper (Fervac-D) at 6/10/14 weeks of age, then once annually.

Why?: Distemper virus can be found in the environment.  Vaccinating your ferret is the best way to protect him/her from this terminal disease.

* Keep litter box clean and dry.

* Flea prevention - have your veterinarian discuss the most current recommendations.

* Is your home ferret-proof?:  If your ferret has free roam of an area in your house, checking the area first for small rubber/plastic/foam/cloth and even metal objects as well as plants and chemicals may help keep your medical expenses down.  Ferrets chew and swallow lots of things that can obstruct or damage their digestive tracts.

***Remember, you have chosen an non-domestic animal for a pet. In the wild, these animals hide symptoms of illness until they are very sick. This is to prevent a predator from singling them out and having them for lunch. Watch closely for signs of illness in your pet. If you see abnormal behavior, act quickly.  It may make a life or death difference for your pet.

*  We highly recommend that you continue to learn as much as you can about your new pet. His or her life depends on it.  The library, breeders, pet stores, bookstores, the Internet and your exotic pet veterinarian are all good resources . We learn more and more every day about these animals and staying current will help your pet live a longer happier life.

Common Disorders of Ferrets

 By Paul Stewart, DVM

Dental Disease:

        Cause:  Tartar, gingivitis and periodontal disease are more common in older ferrets.  Ferrets on canned foods seem more predisposed. Infection can lead to illness and a decreased life expectancy. Abscesses can occur if teeth become damaged or over-worn.

        Symptoms:  (occur only if severe)  Anorexia, hypersalivation, pain, swelling (abscess)

        Diagnosis:  Physical examination, dental radiography (for periodontal evaluation)

        Treatment:  Professional cleaning is indicated preferably before gingivitis occurs.  Treatment is similar to that performed on dogs and cats. Root canal therapy or extraction may be necessary if a tooth is fractured or damaged.

         Prevention:  Ferrets can be taught to allow routine brushing with CET paste (often with a cotton swab). Feline dental treats may be an alternative but tartar will likely still accumulate. 

Gastro-intestinal disease:

         Cause:  Inflammatory bowel disease, proliferative bowel disease, gastric ulcers (often from Helicobacter mustelae), foreign bodies, hairballs, as well as viral, bacterial, parasitic and cancerous GI disease are all possibilities in the ferret.

         Symptoms:  Symptoms include decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, abdominal pain and occasionally hypersalivation and rectal prolapse.

         Diagnosis:  Physical exam, radiographs, intestinal parasite screening, fecal culture, blood work, exclusive diet trial, electron microscopy, gastric swabs or biopsy are tests used to make a diagnosis.

         Treatment:  May include antibiotics, antacids, coating agents, laxatives, de-worming agents, prescription diets and (when appropriate) prednisone.

          Prevention:  Proper quarantine, routine vaccination for canine distemper, good hygiene, proper diet and regular intestinal parasite screening all are vital for good gastrointestinal health. Some syndromes however are unavoidable.

Adrenal disease:

         Cause:  Middle aged and older ferrets can develop overproduction of hormones from their adrenal glands. This is common and is suspected to be related to hormonal feedback from neutering. Rarely, a malignant functional tumor of the adrenal gland can cause this syndrome.

         Symptoms:  Symmetric hair loss is most commonly associated with adrenal disease, but can also be secondary to fleas, mites, fungal infection (ringworm), mast cell tumors and allergies. Other symptoms of adrenal disease include prostate enlargement in males, swelling of the genital region in females, weight loss and itchy skin.

         Diagnosis:  Physical exam, blood work (including adrenal profile) and ultrasound are commonly performed when confirming this disease.

         Treatment:  If adrenal disease is diagnosed, surgery (adrenalectomy) or medical therapy (leuprolide acetate injections or melatonin implant therapy) will be recommended.

Insulinoma:

         Cause:  Beta cells in the pancreas can undergo a cancerous change, thereby producing too much insulin. The insulin drives down the blood sugar causing generalized weakness and hypoglycemia.

         Symptoms:  Ferrets with this disease present with decreases activity, but can also have evidence of tummy upset, like drooling, pawing at the mouth, tooth grinding, weight loss, diarrhea, and seizures. In some cases, the weakness begins in the rear legs and may resemble a paralysis.

         Diagnosis:  Blood work (including insulin level) is needed to definitively diagnose this problem in ferrets.

         Treatment:  Treatment may be medical (diazoxide or prednisone) or surgical (partial pancreatectomy).

Spleen enlargement (splenomegaly):

         Cause:  It is very common to find an enlarged spleen in middle aged to older ferrets. The cause can be multi-factorial and is often benign. Occasionally splenomegaly may be related to a significant disease processes such as inflammation, anemia or cancer. 

         Symptoms:  Symptoms are rare. The abdomen may be uncomfortable when the spleen becomes very large. 

         Diagnosis:  Physical exam with gentle abdominal palpation will detect splenomegaly. Spleens can rupture and bleed internally if too much pressure occurs during palpation.   Since identifying the underlying cause can be difficult, blood work and ultrasound-guided needle aspirates under sedation may be performed to decide if the enlargement is significant.

         Treatment:  Addressing the underlying cause may relieve the enlargement, but on occasion, splenectomy (surgical removal) may be indicated.

Heart disease:

         Cause:  Valvular failure, cardiomyopathy, heartworm disease

         Symptoms:  Lethargy, weight loss, heart murmur, rapid heart rate, rapid or labored breathing, coughing, hind limb weakness

         Diagnosis:  Physical exam, radiographs, ECG, echocardiogram   

         Treatment:  Appropriate heart medications are used to decrease the load on the heart.

         Prevention:  Early detection through regular physical examination, good diet and genetics, weight control and heartworm preventative 

Respiratory disease:

         Cause:  Influenza, distemper, trauma, allergic reaction, electric shock, trauma, abdominal swelling, heartworms, cardiac disease, bacterial and fungal disease are possible rule-outs.

         Symptoms:  Coughing, sneezing, rapid or labored breathing, bluish mucus membrane color, nasal or ocular drainage.

         Diagnosis:  Physical exam, radiographs, blood work, culture and cytology may be included in the workup.

         Treatment:  Address the underlying cause. Treatment may include antibiotic therapy (oral, injections, nebulizing), oxygen, supportive care, heartworm adulticide treatment, antifungals or steroids.

          Prevention:  Regular distemper vaccination, avoid contact with human influenza virus, heartworm preventative (1/4^th tablet of small feline Heartgard given monthly) where appropriate.

Kidney disease:

         Cause:  Kidney cysts, stones, obstruction, infection, chronic renal failure or cancer are all potential causes of kidney disease in ferrets.

         Symptoms:  Increased thirst and urination (frequency or volume), bloody or discolored urine, lack of urine production (emergency), weight loss, anorexia, vomiting and abdominal pain can all support kidney disease diagnosis.  

         Diagnosis:  Urinalysis, blood work, radiography, ultrasound and occasionally renal biopsy are used to confirm these differentials.   

         Treatment:   May include fluid therapy, antacids, prescription diets, surgery (if cysts or stones), antibiotics, chemotherapy.

Lymphoma

         Cause:  Lymphoma is a common type of cancer in ferrets affecting the lymph nodes, liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract.

         Symptoms:  Swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia

         Diagnosis:  Physical exam, blood work, radiographs, ultrasound and biopsy are commonly used when investigation this disease.

         Treatment:  Once confirmed, chemotherapy is a viable option for ferrets with lymphoma. Additionally, radiation may help in treating this condition.

 Diseases people can potentially catch from ferrets:

Giardia

Ringworm

Salmonella

Campylobacter

Influenza A

Mange

Rabies

Cryptosporidiosis

Tuberculosis

BASIC GUINEA PIG CARE

Contributed by Dr. Paul Stewart

Quick guinea pig facts:

        Life span: 5 yrs.
        Age puberty: 6-10 wks.
        Litter size: 1-6 piglets
        Age weaning: 2-3 wks.
        Weight (male): 2-2.5 lbs
        Weight (female): 1.5-2 lbs.
        Body temp: 101.5-103.0 degrees F

Diet:    Quality commercial guinea pig pellets are available at most pet stores, but care must be taken to be sure that it is purchased and used before the expiration date to avoid spoilage and vitamin breakdown.

Vitamin C should be given daily, either as 1/4th of an orange or as a small amount of kale or cabbage. There are also Vitamin C supplements that can be added to the water, but it should be changed fresh daily, used as directed and water intake should be monitored to make sure your pet is drinking adequate amounts. Vegetables can be given in very small amounts and fruit in even smaller amounts to prevent diarrhea. Avoid sudden diet changes. Introduce new food items very gradually. Small amounts of fresh alfalfa or timothy hay can be given do help digestion. Guinea pigs eat their own feces to benefit from bacterial by products produced in their intestine. This is normal and is necessary to keep your guinea pet healthy. 

Grooming:
        Coat - brush coat on long haired guinea pigs.
        Teeth - watch teeth for overgrowth (incisors).
        Toenails - clip regularly.

Common diseases and conditions:

• obesity

• abscesses

• diarrhea

• foot infections

• hair loss

• anorexia

• pneumonia

• dental disease

• scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)

Preventative health care:

* All guinea pigs should be examined initially as a new pet, then once annually for a comprehensive physical, weigh-in, dental evaluation and fecal exam.

* Guinea pigs need daily vitamin C supplementation an addition to a quality commercial diet and hay. 

* Dental disease can be prevented by offering a proper diet, gnawing toys and regular check-ups and corrective grinding / trimming by an experienced veterinarian.

* Weigh your pig monthly to check for abnormal swings in body condition. This may indicate a disease process before it becomes severe.

* Urine and feces should not be allowed to build up in the cage. Use fresh non-toxic bedding material.

* Access to fresh food and water should be permitted at all times.

* Prevent heat stress by keeping your pet at moderate temperatures.

*** Remember, you have chosen an non-domestic animal for a pet. In the wild, these animals hide symptoms of illness until they are very sick. This is to prevent a predator from singling them out and having them for lunch. Watch closely for signs of illness in your pet. If you see abnormal behavior, act quickly.  It may make a life or death difference for your pet.

* We highly recommend that you continue to learn as much as you can about your new pet. His or her life depends on it.  The library, breeders, pet stores, bookstores, the Internet and your exotic pet veterinarian are all good resources . We learn more and more every day about these animals and staying current will help your pet live a longer happier life.

BASIC HEDGEHOG CARE

Contributed by Dr. Paul Stewart

Quick hedgehog facts:

        Life span:    3-5 years
        Sexual maturity: more than 2 months of age
        Litter size:      3 (1-7) pups
        Weaning age:   4-6 weeks

• European hedgehogs hibernate, African hedgehogs do not.

• Hedgehogs are nocturnal (more active at night, rest during the day).

• Prefer quiet environments with hiding spaces and places to dig.

• One hedgehog per cage is recommended.

• Some ‘hedgies’ never become tame.

Diet:    Diet should be high in protein and low in fat. Cat or dog food alone are not adequate.

Commercial balanced hedgehog diet should be used when available, or for one adult hedgehog per day, one can feed:
                    3 tsp. high quality kitten or cat chow
                    1 heaping tsp. fruit and vegetable mix
                    6 small meal worms or 2 crickets 

The fruit/veggie mix should include leafy greens, carrot, broccoli, apple, banana, grape or raisin.

Grooming:
        Nails - Trim nails as often as needed (may require sedation).
         Teeth - Pet-safe toothpaste on a Q-tip can be used to brush teeth (good luck).

Common diseases and conditions:

• obesity

• liver disease

• pneumonia

• dental and periodontal disease

• parasites (mites)

• tumors

• dermatitis

Preventative health care:
        Weigh regularly to monitor for obesity.
            Prevent your hedgehog from becoming obese by feeding a low-fat diet.
            Have your hedgehog completely evaluated by an exotic pet veterinarian, annually.
            Have your veterinarian clean and polish your pets teeth as needed.
            Keep your pet’s cage dry, clean and warm.

***Remember, you have chosen a non-domestic animal for a pet. In the wild, these animals hide symptoms of illness until they are very sick. This is to prevent a predator from singling them out and having them for lunch. Watch closely for signs of illness in your pet.  If you see abnormal behavior, act quickly.  It may make a life or death difference for your pet.

* Annual wellness exams are geared toward identifying problems early,  before they become severe.

*  We highly recommend that you continue to learn as much as you can about your new pet. His or her life depends on it.  The library, pet stores, breeders, bookstores, the Internet and your exotic pet veterinarian can all be good resources. We learn more and more every day about these animals and staying current will help your pet live a longer happier life.

BASIC RODENT CARE

GERBILS, HAMSTERS, RATS & MICE

Contributed by Dr. Paul Stewart

Quick rodent facts:

Diet:    Adults should be fed a good quality rodent chow (20-24% protein). Seed-based diets are improper for long term use. Fresh water should be available by water bottle or bowl. Occasional snacks should be avoided or given in minute proportions.

Grooming:
            Coat - brush coat on long-haired hamsters to prevent matting.
            Teeth - allow access to approved rodent chew toys at all times.

Common diseases and conditions:

• breast tumors

• uterine tumors (if not spayed)

• diarrhea

• abscesses

• malocclusion

• respiratory disease

• seizures

Preventative health care:

*  All rodents should be examined initially as a new pet, then once every 6-12 months for an annual comprehensive physical, weigh-in, dental evaluation and fecal exam.

*  Rodents age quickly requiring more frequent visits than a dog or a cat. 

* Teeth should be checked frequently for overgrowth and poor alignment.

*  Urine and feces should not be allowed to build up in cage.

*  Discuss parasite prevention with your veterinarian.

*  Spaying females at 2-3 months of age will help prevent uterine and breast cancer.

*  Neutering males at 2-3 months of age will help prevent pregnancy if housed with females.

          *  Pine or aspen bedding should be used and changed regularly.

*  High quality rodent chow will help minimize health problems.

*   Weighing your pet regularly may help you catch illness early.

***Remember, you have chosen an non-domestic animal for a pet. In the wild, these animals hide symptoms of illness until they are very sick. This is to prevent a predator from singling them out and having them for lunch. Watch closely for signs of illness in your pet. If you see abnormal behavior, act quickly.  It may make a life or death difference for your pet.

*  We highly recommend that you continue to learn as much as you can about your new pet. His or her life depends on it.  The library, breeders, pet stores, bookstores, the Internet and your exotic pet veterinarian are all good resources . We learn more and more every day about these animals and staying current will help your pet live a longer happier life

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