Use of two point-of-care analyzers provides reference intervals of prothrombin time and activated partial prothrombin time in nonanesthetized healthy ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

OBJECTIVE: Coagulation tests are an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of coagulopathies in mammals. The aim of the current study was to establish reference intervals for prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial PT (aPTT) in healthy ferrets using 2 different point-of-care analyzers (Idexx Coag DX and MS QuickVet Coag Combo). ANIMALS: 86 clinically healthy ferrets under 3 years of age (47 females and 39 males) from 4 breeders and 2 private practices. PROCEDURES: Blood samples were collected from the cranial vena cava in all ferrets without anesthesia and placed in trisodium 3.2% citrated plastic tubes. Sixty-six blood samples from the 4 ferret breeding farms and 1 private practice were analyzed using the Idexx Coag DX and 21 from the other private practice using the MS QuickVet Coag Combo. RESULTS: Reference intervals for the Idexx Coag DX were as follows: aPTT (n = 65), 69.84 to 105.99 seconds; PT (65), 14.44 to 21.98 seconds. Reference intervals for the MS QuickVet Coag Combo were as follows: aPTT (n = 21), 74.90 to 115.50 seconds; PT (21), 18.31 to 23.05 seconds. With both types of analyzers, there was no significant age effect on aPTT and PT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provided coagulation times for 2 point-of-care analyzers in healthy ferrets as a tool for the diagnosis of coagulopathies.

Characterisation of the French ferret population, husbandry, reported medical care and feeding habits.

Ferrets have become a common companion animal. But no data are available on the French population of ferrets. The goal of the survey was to characterise this population, including demographic characteristics, husbandry, reported medical care and feeding habits. Complete data were available for 1205 pet ferrets in 709 households. Most ferrets (86·1 %) lived indoors, 1 % received only artificial lighting, and 47 % chewed their cage. For 60 % of the ferrets, body weight was higher in winter and lower in summer. Neutered ferrets (58·5 % of males and 62·9 % of females) appeared lighter than intact ferrets of comparable age. A majority (52·4 %) of ferrets received a mix of commercial foods and fresh foods, but 28·6 % were offered no commercial foods. Data were analysed using several multivariable logistic regression models including age, sex, castration, food type and artificial lighting developed for four clinical outcome (lethargy and/or insulinoma, dental problems, diarrhoea and/or bird-seed stools and alopecia). Predictors of four clinical outcomes (lethargy, dental disease, diarrhoea and alopecia) were examined using multivariable logistic regression, with age, sex, neuter status, food type and artificial lighting as the exposure variables. Aged ferrets were more likely to have lethargy, insulinoma, dental problems and alopecia. Ferrets with artificial lighting were more likely to show alopecia. Additionally, ferrets fed commercial food only or a mixed diet (both commercial food and fresh food) were more likely to have lethargy, insulinoma, dental problems, diarrhoea and/or bird-seed stools compared with ferrets fed fresh food only. We also found a significant association between neutering and alopecia. It is to our knowledge the first description of the French population of the ferret as a companion animal.

Anterior segment morphology and morphometry in selected reptile species using optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To provide new and original images of the anterior segment (AS) of the eye of selected Ophidian, Chelonian, and Saurian species and to compare the AS architecture among and within these three groups. ANIMALS STUDIED: 17 Saurians, 14 Ophidians, and 11 Chelonians with no concurrent systemic or eye disease were included in the study. PROCEDURE: Age, weight, nose-cloaca distance (NCD), and pupil shape were collected for each animal. The AS was examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT). After gross description of the appearance of the AS, the central and peripheral corneal thickness (CCT, PCT) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured using the software provided with the OCT device. The ratio CCT/ACD was then calculated for each animal. RESULTS: Pupil shape was a vertical slit in all the crepuscular or nocturnal animals (except for 1 chelonian and 1 ophidian). Each group had its own particular AS architecture. Saurians had a regularly thin cornea with a flat anterior lens capsule and a deep anterior chamber. Ophidians had a thick cornea with a narrow anterior chamber due to a very anteriorly anchored spherical lens. The spectacle was difficult to identify in all ophidians except in Python molurus bivitattus in which it was more obvious. Chelonians displayed an intermediate architecture which more closely resembled the Saurian type than the Ophidian type. CONCLUSION: Despite grossly similar AS architecture, the three groups of reptiles in the study demonstrated differences that are suggestive of a link between anatomical disparities and variations in environment and lifestyle.

Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography imaging of spectacular ecdysis in the corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) and the California king snake (Lampropeltis getulus californiae).

PURPOSE: One of the singularities of the eyes of snakes is the presence of the spectacle, a transparent and vascularized integument covering the cornea. The spectacle is completely renewed during ecdysis. Combined scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and conventional macrophotography were used to image this phenomenon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A spectral OCT/SLO examination and macrophotography were performed in four healthy adult corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) and one healthy adult California king snake (Lampropeltis getulus californiae) the day before the start of ecdysis and then daily during ecdysis. RESULTS: In all animals, ecdysis lasted 5 days. The spectacle was hardly visible at baseline, but became obvious at day one, while the subspectacular space became larger and the superficial cornea presented a hyperechoic band. At day two, eye surface became translucent, and at the same time, vascularization of the spectacle was visible using SLO. At day 3, the vascularization was no longer visible, while the subspectacular space increased and the eye surface remained translucent. At day 4, the eye surface was transparent and the superficial hyperechoic band started to become less bright. At day 5, the old spectacle was shed and all the parameters returned to baseline. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that the echogenicity modifications of the anterior cornea correspond to major metabolic activity associated with new spectacle formation. This increased metabolic activity may contribute to the neovascularization and play an important role in the accumulation of fluid in the subspectacular space, facilitating the shedding of the old spectacle.