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.

Triple infection with agamid adenovirus 1, Encephaliton cuniculi-like microsporidium and enteric coccidia in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). / Dreifachinfektion mit Agamid-Adenovirus 1, einem Encephalitozoon-cuniculi-ähnlichen Mikrosporidium und Darmkokzidien bei einer Bartagame (Pogona vitticeps).

A 2-month-old juvenile central bearded dragon was presented for anorexia and cachexia. Another specimen from the same cage had died suddenly 2 weeks prior. Fecal analysis revealed a high quantity of Isospora amphiboluri and a few pinworm eggs. Other examinations were not performed and the animal died a few days later despite supportive care. A third individual from the same cage presented with anorexia and a distended cœlom and was euthanized. In this third dragon, histological examination revealed intestinal coccidiosis, basophilic intranuclear inclusions compatible with adenovirus infection, acute hepatic necrosis with intrahepatocytic and intraenteritic organisms typical of microsporidia and renal gout. A PCR confirmed the diagnosis of adenovirosis. Sequencing showed that the PCR product was 100% identical to the corresponding portion of the agamid adenovirus 1 genome. A PCR for the detection of Encephalitozoon (E.) cuniculi was positive. Partial sequencing revealed 100% identity to an E. cuniculi-like organism previously found in bearded dragons. In cases where environmental factors such as poor hygiene or stress can be excluded, the presence of opportunistic pathogens in high numbers can be due to a systemic (viral) infection with temporary immunosuppression.

A Retrospective Study of 17 Cases of Mycobacteriosis in Domestic Ferrets (Mustela Putorius furo) between 2005 and 2013.

From 2005 to 2013, 17 ferrets were diagnosed with mycobacteriosis at the authors' practices. Clinical findings included ocular, respiratory, and digestive abnormalities. Diagnosis was based on histopathology, specific histochemical stains, and/or on polymerase chain reaction. All bacteria identified belonged to the nontuberculous Mycobacterium complex. Several treatment protocols were attempted, frequently based on the use of enrofloxacin. In all, 3 ferrets were considered cured. Mycobacteriosis in ferrets is a polymorphous disease with diverse clinical presentations. It is also likely an underdiagnosed disease in pet ferrets, which appear to be particularly susceptible to environmental sources. Mycobacteriosis should be included in the differential diagnosis for ocular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases; in particular, it should be differentiated from systemic coronavirus infection.