ferret - Articles
Hairballs
Synonym(s): Trichobezoars
Introduction
- Ferrets are prone to developing gastric trichobezoars.
- Cause: a trichobezoar is a mass found in the gastrointestinal system formed from the ingestion of hair.
- Signs: nausea, inappetance or anorexia, weight/condition loss, lethargy.
- Diagnosis: palpation, radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy, CT, exploratory laparotomy.
- Treatment: surgical removal, medication to decrease ulceration.
- Prognosis: good.
Age predisposition
- Ferrets older than 4 years old are considered at higher risk (the older the ferret, the higher the risk).
- Young ferrets are more predisposed to foreign body ingestion.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- The ingestion of hair is necessary for the formation of trichobezoars.
- Predisposing factors for the formation of trichobezoars include:
- Previous gastrointestinal surgery.
- Gastrointestinal hypomotility.
- Gastroenteritis Bacterial gastroenteritis Eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
- Pruritic skin conditions leading to excessive grooming.
- Excessive molting such as seen during seasonal coat change Alopecia.
- Trichobezoar may pass out of the stomach and cause irritation, obstruction (partial, complete) in the intestine.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Lennox A M (2005) Gastrointestinal diseases of the ferret. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 8 (2), 213-225 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Perpinan D & Johnson-Delaney C A (2017) Disorders of the Digestive System and Liver. In: Ferret Medicine and Surgery. Ed: Johnson-Delaney C A.CRC Press, USA. pp 159-190.
- Hoefer H L, Fox J G & Bell J A (2012) Gastrointestinal Diseases. In: Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents. 3rd edn. Eds: Quesenberry K E & Carpenter J W. Elsevier, USA. pp 27-45.
- Burgess M E (2007) Ferret Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Diseases. In: Ferret Husbandry, Medicine and Surgery. 2nd edn. Ed: Lewington J H. Saunders, USA. pp 203-223.