Chylous ascites associated with abdominal trauma and intestinal resection-anastomosis in a pet ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

CASE DESCRIPTION A 10-week-old 0.73-kg (1.6-lb) castrated male domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was referred for exploratory laparotomy because of pneumoperitoneum and possible septic peritonitis after being bitten by the owner's dog. CLINICAL FINDINGS Abdominal exploration revealed a large laceration of the duodenum, tears of the jejunal mesentery, and 2 small tears in the abdominal wall. Chylous abdominal effusion developed 48 hours after surgery. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Postoperative care included supportive treatment, analgesia, and antimicrobials. An abdominal drain was placed during the laparotomy and enabled monitoring of abdominal fluid production. Enteral feeding was provided through an esophagostomy tube. The chylous fluid production rapidly decreased after treatment with octreotide was initiated, and the ferret improved. Chyloabdomen resolved after 8 days of hospitalization and medical treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that chylous ascites can potentially develop secondary to blunt abdominal trauma in ferrets. In this ferret, chyloabdomen was successfully treated with octreotide administration and abdominal drainage.

[Fractures and luxations in small mammals]. / Frakturen und Luxationen beim Kleinsäuger.

Most traumata in small mammals occur at home. Diagnosis and therapy can be compared with that in the dog and cat, but species-specific differences have to be considered. For fracture treatment a butterfly-cast can be sufficient for stabilization in special cases. In most cases satisfying results can be obtained with a "tie-in-fixator" treatment. Dislocations of the elbow joint are treated by reduction or stabilization through suture techniques or temporary arthrodesis.

Ferrets: wound healing and therapy.

In all species of mammals, the stages of wound healing are the same, and both host factors and wound characteristics affect how wounds heal. The basic principles of wound care in ferrets, such as lavage, bandaging, and surgical closure, are similar to those in other species; however, knowledge of ferrets' anatomy and pathophysiology, as well as skin conditions commonly seen in ferrets, will help ensure proper wound healing.

Traumatic rupture of the ureter: 10 cases.

A retrospective study was performed on eight dogs, one cat, and one ferret with ruptured ureters secondary to blunt trauma. The most common physical examination findings were abdominal distension/discomfort (in five of 10 animals) and gross hematuria (in five of six animals). Multiple organ injury was also common (in seven of 10 animals). Loss of retroperitoneal and peritoneal detail was the most common radiographic finding (in four of six animals). Ureteronephrectomy was the most common surgical procedure (performed in five out of seven procedures). Three of the five cases discharged were available for follow-up and have had no evidence of associated problems.

Ferret orthopedics.

Orthopedic conditions requiring surgical intervention and correction frequently occur in the ferret patient. Elbow luxations and long bone fractures are among the most common syndromes affecting the ferret patient, which often presents in an emergency setting. Orthopedic conditions in the ferret, as in other mammalian species, are often the result of trauma. Surgical treatment including reduction and stabilization of the affected bony structure, combined with supervision and the recommended postoperative care, can provide a good prognosis to return to normal function for the ferret.