Fun Facts, Features, and Figures of Ferrets! by Megan Armor, DVM

What is a ferret?

A ferret is a type of carnivore related to the weasel, otter, and badger. They were initially domesticated to hunt rats and mice in people's homes, farms, and ships. They are very efficient predators and, unlike cats, can fit into very small spaces where rats and mice like to hide. Domestic ferrets have also been bred to help hunt rabbits for food and for their pelts. Today, the majority of ferrets are used as companion animals.

What makes a ferret a good pet?

Ferrets are small, clean, and truly seem to like human interaction. They have very engaging and endearing personalities, plus they're cute! They also can get along well in groups with each other, cats, and dogs. They are very playful animals. If you would like an active, soft, cute critter that will have hours of fun exploring your house and getting attention from you, a ferret might be a good choice.

What might make a ferret a bad pet?

Ferrets can bite, and they have sharp teeth. They also may be less than patient with the grasps and attentions of a small child, so they're not ideal pets for families with little children. They can also be very naughty. Their small size and elongated bodies are perfect for slipping into tight spots that you may have trouble getting them out of! They like especially shiny objects and can steal your jewelry, keys, or other small objects and hide them away from you. Sometimes they even swallow objects they shouldn't and get blocked. Ferrets are illegal to own in certain areas, including California. It is legal, however, to take your ferret to the vet for care and for your veterinarian to treat ferrets.

What does a ferret eat?

Ferrets are true carnivores, which means they are designed to eat whole prey animals and a commercial diet should reflect that. They have a very short digestive tract and cannot handle lots of carbohydrates and fiber. Their diet should be high in fat and good-quality protein, either a ferret-specific kibble or a freeze-dried carnivore diet made for ferrets. They should NOT eat cat or kitten food. Sweets and fruits, while appetizing and readily eaten, may cause obesity and diarrhea and should be minimized.  

How do I house my ferret?

A ferret should be kept in a well-ventilated cage when you cannot monitor them with a place to burrow, nest and sleep, plus a litter box and toys. A non-clumping litter - like pellets, is best.  However, ferrets are playful, curious animals and they should NOT be confined to their cages continuously but rather given space in the house to roam and play. A well ferret-proofed play area is free of foam-containing furniture, such as couches and chairs, and other soft toys that a ferret might eat. You should also avoid rubber bands, ear plugs, shoes and any rubber or foam material that is the most likely to be ingested and block a ferrets' intestines. At least two hours of play time is needed per day. If you cannot give your ferret at least two hours a day to run around and play, you should not keep a ferret.

What kind of sicknesses does a ferret get?

The short answer is a lot. Ferrets have a short life expectancy, about four to six years, and the majority of ferrets will end up being affected by one or more types of cancer as they age. Common types of ferret cancer include lymphoma, pancreatic insulinomas, and adrenal gland tumors. Ferrets also can suffer from heart disease, dental disease, gastroenteritis (diarrhea), diabetes, kidney disease, and bladder or prostate problems. Ferrets can also contract the human flu virus!

Does my ferret need vaccines?

Yes. Ferrets should be vaccinated for both distemper and rabies viruses annually. 

How often should my ferret see the vet?

Because of a ferrets' short life-span and high incidence of disease and neoplasia (cancer) that ferrets can get, it is recommended that your ferret have a preventive care exam every six months, or twice yearly. Additionally for ferrets older than four years of age we recommend annual blood tests. Glucose monitoring is important for any lethargic older ferret. Endocrine (hormone) testing is also available for ferrets with hair loss on the tail or other signs suggestive of adrenal gland disease.

Where can I go for more information on ferrets?

For more information, check out the Northern California Ferret Alliance's website: http://ncferretalliance.org/ they are a great source for information and adoptions. We also recommend the Golden Gate Ferret Society: http://www.goldenstateferretsociety.org/

Dr. Megan Armor is a 2006 graduate of the Veterinary School of the University of California, Davis. She previously graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of California, San Diego with a B.S in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. An experienced veterinarian, Dr. Armor has a special interest in treating pocket pets such as ferrets, rabbits, and guinea pigs, in addition to cats and dogs. She grew up in the Bay Area and currently lives in Walnut Creek with her Labrador Gator, Boxer Ringo, orange tabby Catface and an Oscar-fish named Robby

My Dog is My Copilot: Guide Dogs by Cyndi Davis

Sweeney is a guide dog in training

International Guide Dog Day is April 28^th. Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care has a long history caring for Guide Dogs in Training. We love and celebrate this amazing program. One of our staff members, Cyndi Davis, is a Leader of Alameda County 4H Guide Dog Puppy Raisers and has helped raise 15 guide dog puppies. In honor of International Guide Dog Day she has written about her experiences.

My dog is my copilot. For most of my major life accomplishments, my dogs have come with me. Guide Dogs for the Blind allow hundreds of puppy raisers each year the opportunity to experience the love and companionship of a puppy for a little over a year. In the much too short time each of my dogs have spent in my life, each has taught me countless lessons that cannot be learned from books or even the most patient of mentors.

I learned responsibility, loyalty, dependability, honesty, hard work, and my good sense of humor all from my dogs. With the help of my constant companions I developed the courage to fight for the causes I believed in the most and to step outside my comfort zone and experience new things. I remember just before starting college taking my puppy Bayna back for formal training in San Rafael. I told her we would be starting college together, even if we were going to different schools.

I remember knowing something was missing my first year in college, and not knowing just what it was. I was enjoying meeting new friends, living in a new place, loved my major, but something did not feel right. The absence of my ever-present pooch had more of an effect than I realized. I knew I needed to find a local puppy club to become involved with as I missed my guide dog family and spending time with people who just might love their dogs almost as much as I do.

In college I was able to continue raising puppies as transfer dogs. Transfer dogs are puppies that come to you at an older age (puppies usually come to us around 8 weeks of age), this was perfect for me because each dog came ready to attend classes. Each puppy taught me more about life, and myself than I could possibly put into words. At the same time, each of those puppies created hope in someone of being able to achieve independence once again. 

Sweeney rests after a big day

The hardest thing I have ever had to experience in life is giving up my dog because they were ready for training. However, I have never looked back on my decision to continue to raise puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. When each puppy completes training, there is a graduation ceremony where you are able to meet the person who has been matched with your dog. The dogs absolutely lose it - they are the worst behaved dogs in the world in that moment. They completely forget everything you have worked so hard to teach them as they jump into your arms, lick your face, run in circles, tangle you in their leash, and pretty much go crazy. It is in that moment when they regain their composure and, without command, return to sit with their new owner that you know - this dog is their copilot.

Each year Guide Dogs for the Blind breed about 1,000 puppies. These puppies are placed in homes with 1,400 puppy raisers that socialize these pups and teach them basic obedience. Every year around 300 new guide dog teams graduate, to add to the nearly 2,200 working teams.

Not only does Guide Dogs for the Blind provide a once in a lifetime chance to see the gift that a guide dog can truly be for someone seeking independence, they give puppy raisers the chance to experience the gift these dogs can be first hand.

Guide Dogs for the blind are a nonprofit organization with a training campus located in San Rafael, California. Guide Dogs is run on private donations that allow them to provide service animals, free of charge, to men and women who are able to rely on these dogs for new-found independence. If you are interested in helping out Guide Dogs for the blind through volunteering, or by making a tax deductible donation, please contact them through their website: www.guidedogs.com.

Ask the Vet – Heartworm Disease by Kristel Weaver DVM, MPVM

Every year at your annual preventive care visit, your veterinarian most likely recommends a heartworm preventative for your dog. So why do veterinarians feel this is so critical? Why is heartworm prevention a key component of maintaining your pet’s health?  If your pet is already on a heartworm prevention program – great job! If not, here are some specifics on heartworms and why it is important to give your dog that monthly dose.

What is a heartworm infection?

Heartworms are a type of roundworm that looks similar to angel hair pasta.  These worms live in the blood vessels around the heart, and inside the heart itself.  The worms cause a blockage of blood flow leading to right-sided heart failure.  When a dog has heart failure from heartworms they will cough, breath faster than normal, have a distended belly and will be unable to exercise.  If left untreated, heartworm infections can be fatal.

How do dogs get heartworms?

Mosquitoes spread heartworms.  Once a carrier mosquito bites a dog, it takes six to seven months before there are adult worms living in the heart.  The adult heartworms then make baby heartworms, called microfilaria, which swim in the blood and can be picked up by a mosquito bite and spread to another animal.  Heartworm cannot be spread without going through a mosquito.

Can it be spread to people or cats?

Humans are rarely infected with heartworms.  The worms cannot complete their lifecycle in humans and become walled off as a round nodule in the lungs.  Cats can get heartworm infections but are much more resistant than dogs.

How is it treated?

The treatment plan for an individual dog is based on the severity of the infection.  Typically, dogs are given a drug to kill the adult worms (Immiticide), antibiotics for secondary infections, and heartworm preventatives to kill the microfilaria.  After getting Immiticide, tiny chunks of dying worms are present in the lungs and can cause difficulty breathing.  Dogs must be kept calm, quiet, and rested for one to two months after getting the treatment to avoid side effects as their body breaks down the dying worms.

How is it prevented?

There are multiple heartworm preventatives on the market.  These are safe and easily administered (usually a chew or a topical ointment).  Collies and other herding breeds can have negative side effects to the drug used in heartworm preventatives at high doses.  The low doses used in heartworm preventatives have been proven safe for all breeds.

How much heartworm disease do we see in the San Francisco East Bay?

Our clinic sees a handful of heartworm infections each year; while it’s not a huge problem it definitely does occur.  In the southern part of the United States heartworm disease is really common.  In a year with heavy mosquitoes we could have an outbreak here in the Bay Area.  If you travel with your dog you could be taking him/her to areas much more infested with heartworms.  Keeping your dog on monthly heartworm prevention is ideal for optimum health.  These preventatives have an added benefit of being a general dewormer.

Talk to your veterinarian about which preventative is best for your dog.  Preventing a heartworm infection is much easier and safer than treating the disease. Like Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” 

Dr. Kristel Weaver is a graduate of the Veterinary School at the University of California, Davis where she received both a DVM and a Master’s of Preventative Veterinary Medicine (MPVM).  She has been at Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care in San Ramon since 2007.  She currently lives in Oakland with her husband and their daughter, Hayley. If you have questions you would like Dr. Weaver to answer for future articles, please email info@webvets.com

Snail Bait Poisoning

Snail bait is the most common poisoning agent of dogs in California. Warning signs of snail bait poisoning include anxious twitching that becomes uncontrollable, racing heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory failure.The twitching progresses to seizures and potentially death. Seizures can raise a pet's body temperature so high that brain damage can occur.

Know the facts:

• The toxic ingredient in snail bait is metaldehyde and can cause seizures in animals that can be fatal.
• Snail bait is commonly sold in pellets that resemble dog food and have a flavor that attracts dogs.
• Snail bait can be licked off paws during grooming.
• It takes less than one teaspoon per 10lbs of body weight for snail bait to become toxic.

Pet-safe alternatives to snail bait include Sluggo Slug & Snail Bait, handpicking, and copper barriers. You can read more about snail bait from Dr. Utchen by clicking here.  

If you think your pet may have ingested snail bait call us immediately at 925.866.8387! 

 

Ask the Vet- Tripods by Kristel Weaver, DVM, MPVM

Learning that your dog or cat needs an amputation brings up a lot of questions.  I’ll discuss common concerns about living with a pet that has undergone an amputation and share my own experiences on life with a tripod, my favorite term for a three-legged dog or cat.

Why would a dog or cat have a leg amputated?

The most common reasons for a dog or cat to need an amputation are trauma, cancer or a congenital defect.   Trauma injuries can result from being hit by a car, falling out a window or getting attacked by another animal.  A dog attacked my cat and caused severe trauma to his back left leg.  After trying unsuccessfully to get his injuries to heal, I amputated his leg and he has been happy ever since.  When a dog is diagnosed with a bone tumor or a cat has a vaccine-associated sarcoma on one of their legs, we recommend an amputation to remove the cancer. Congenital defects or neonatal injuries can lead to malformed limbs that are painful and can’t be used normally.  If a leg is constantly painful and cannot be fixed, amputation may be the best option.

Are dogs and cats embarrassed when they lose a leg?

Not at all!  Tripods seem to have no comprehension that they are different from their friends and don’t show any signs of being ashamed or embarrassed.  They are as happy, silly and playful as they were previously.  There is no emotional aspect for them to lose a limb.  As an owner of a tripod, you will probably get extra attention and questions about your dog or cat’s condition.

Can a tripod still live a normal life?

Yes!  Dogs and cats with only three limbs can live completely normal lives.  They can still exercise and play, go for walks, cuddle, nap and eat regular food.  They can still bark at the mailman or hide from the vacuum cleaner.  Pets with a back leg amputation will not be able to jump as high as a four-legged friend.  The exception is obese, geriatric or severely arthritic dogs and cats.  These animals will have a hard time walking around after an amputation may not be good candidates for the surgery.

What can I do to make life easier for my tripod?

Keep your tripod thin!  Extra weight puts more strain on the remaining legs. 

• Raise the food and water bowls for dogs with front leg amputations, this helps so they don’t have to bend down on their one front leg.
• Arrange the house so the floors have traction.  Use rugs, runners, yoga mats or whatever helps prevent your dog from slipping as they zip around. Hardwood or tile surfaces can lead to spills.
• If your dog or cat needs an amputation I recommend you talk to other pet owners with tripods and visit their pets to see how happy they are.  My three-legged cat has no idea he is missing anything and still sprints around the house, jumps on the bed, runs upstairs and rules over the dogs.

Check out these cool videos of Schwartz the three-legged cat and Nuchal the three-legged dog running and playing!

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Dr. Kristel Weaver is a graduate of the Veterinary School at the University of California, Davis where she received both a DVM and a Master’s of Preventative Veterinary Medicine (MPVM).  She has been at Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care in San Ramon since 2007.  She currently lives in Oakland with her husband and their daughter, Hayley. If you have questions you would like Dr. Weaver to answer for future articles, please email info@webvets.com