Bayesian Decision Analysis: An Underutilized Tool in Veterinary Medicine.

Bayesian inference and decision analysis can be used to identify the most probable differential diagnosis and use those probabilities to identify the best choice of diagnostic or treatment among several alternatives. In this retrospective case analysis, we surveyed three experts on the prior probability of several differential diagnoses, given the signalment and history of a ferret presenting for lethargy and anorexia, and the conditional probability of different clinical findings (physical, bloodwork, imaging, etc.), given a diagnosis.

Geriatric Ferrets.

Ferrets are considered geriatric at 3 years of age. Twice-yearly physical examinations with additional testing finds problems and leads to prompt treatments that extend quality of life for the ferret. Bloodwork, urinalysis, dental examination, and imaging including radiographs and ultrasonography should be performed at least annually.

Reproductive Disorders of Marsupials.

Marsupial reproduction differs significantly in anatomy and physiology from that of placental mammals. The gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts empty into a cloaca. Reproductive parameters include gestation and pouch time, as the fetus develops outside of the uterus.

Anatomy and Disorders of the Oral Cavity of Ferrets and Other Exotic Companion Carnivores.

Exotic companion carnivores such as ferrets, skunks, fennec foxes, coatimundis, raccoons, and kinkajous presented in clinical practice share similar dental anatomy, function, and diseases. The domestic ferret serves as the representative species for this group with its anatomy, diseases, and conditions described in detail. Dog and cat guidelines for veterinary and home care seem to be relevant and applicable, including dental endodontic procedures.

Ferret nutrition.

The domestic ferret (Mustela putorious furo) is a strict carnivore, also referred to as an obligate carnivore. Its dentition and gastrointestinal tract are adapted to a carnivorous diet. Its ancestor, the European polecat (Mustela putorius), feeds on birds and other small vertebrates.

Captive marsupial nutrition.

Marsupials comprise an interesting group of mammals, which are increasingly being kept as pets. Few actual feeding trials have been published, although many anecdotal diets have years of usage with good success. Marsupials have dental and digestive tract adaptations that allow them to use specific niches in their environments.

Mycoplasmosis in ferrets.

We report an outbreak of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel Mycoplasma species in ferrets. During 2009-2012, a respiratory disease characterized by nonproductive coughing affected ≈8,000 ferrets, 6-8 weeks of age, which had been imported from a breeding facility in Canada. Almost 95% became ill, but almost none died.

Ferret respiratory system: clinical anatomy, physiology, and disease.

The upper and lower respiratory tracts of ferrets have several similarities to humans, and therefore have been used as a research model for respiratory function. This article describes the clinical anatomy and physiology, and common respiratory diseases of the ferret.

Rabbit respiratory system: clinical anatomy, physiology and disease.

Rabbits are obligate nose breathers due to their epiglottis positioned rostrally to the soft palate. Any obstruction within the nasal cavity will produce a respiratory wheeze with increased respiratory effort. Respiratory diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in rabbits.

Emerging Ferret Diseases.

There are a number of newly described and emerging disease syndromes affecting the domestic ferret, and the purpose of this article is to make veterinarians aware of these diseases. A recently described systemic coronavirus infection appears to be a variant of the ferret enteric coronavirus and is currently termed "ferret infectious peritonitis." Disseminated immunopathologic myositis, aplastic anemia/bone marrow aplasia, acute hemorrhagic syndrome, and oral ulcerations are also described, although the exact etiologies for these diseases have yet to be determined.

Parasites of captive nonhuman primates.

Parasites of captive nonhuman primates generally are more limited than those reported for field studies and in wild-caught primates. Captive primates include those in zoos, laboratory animal facilities, and private collections or pets. Primates kept indoors generally have few parasites, and those are easily eliminated.

Common procedures in hedgehogs, prairie dogs, exotic rodents, and companion marsupials.

Nondomesticated species are commonly being kept as companion animals. These include the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albi-ventris), the North American black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys lu-dovicianus), and exotic rodents such as the degu (Octodon degus)and duprasi or fat-tailed gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi). Common companion marsupials include the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps),Bennett's or Tammar (Dama) wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus rufo-griseus and Macropus eugenii, respectively), the Brazilian or South American gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica), and the North American Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana).

Safety issues in the exotic pet practice.

Small animal practitioners are well versed in the potential zoonoses from dogs and cats. Although these account for the vast majority of documented cases of zoonotic disease in humans, there are documented as well as potential zoonotic diseases that the nontraditional companion animal is capable of transmitting. This article is a compilation of potential disease risks to veterinarians, staff, and owners of nontraditional companion animals.

Reproductive medicine of companion marsupials.

Marsupials have recently become popular as exotic pets. Marsupial reproduction is considerably different than that of placental mammals. The reproductive parameters and artificial milk formulations specific for marsupials are discussed.