Functional islet cell tumor in six ferrets.

Functional islet cell tumor was diagnosed in 6 ferrets. Prominent clinical signs included weight loss, hind limb weakness, ptyalism, and tremors. The diagnosis was made on the basis of 2 or more of the following methods and confirmed by histologic examination of biopsied tissue: hypoglycemia on routine serum biochemical analysis, clinical signs of hypoglycemia, simultaneous development of hypoglycemia (44 +/- 9.

Practical venipuncture techniques for the ferret.

As the number of ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) used in research and kept as pets continues to rise, so does the need for simple, humane research and diagnostic techniques. We have developed venipuncture methods for the ferret utilizing the jugular and cephalic veins. Using these methods it is possible to repeatedly sample moderate volumes of blood and to perform intravenous injections in both conscious and sedated ferrets.

Beta-carotene, retinol and retinyl ester concentrations in serum and selected tissues of ferrets fed beta-carotene.

The concentrations of beta-carotene, retinol and retinyl esters in serum and selected tissues of ferrets fed diets supplemented with beta-carotene (80 micrograms/g wet diet) for 3 wk were determined. The initial concentration of serum beta-carotene was 0.011 +/- 0.

Helicobacter mustelae-induced gastritis and elevated gastric pH in the ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

Helicobacter mustelae has been cultured from the stomachs of ferrets with chronic gastritis; the lesions in the stomach have many of the same histological features seen in H. pylori gastritis in humans. To determine whether H.