Electrocardiographic findings in anesthetised ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) of different ages

Abstract

Ferrets are an emergent companion animal species, and a possible animal model for conditions such as COVID-19 infection. As such, they are more present in veterinary practice than in the past. This study aimed at assessing how ferrets’ electrocardiographic parameters varied according to the age of the animal during isoflurane anesthesia. Eighteen ferrets, divided into three age categories (3-6 months: 7 ferrets; 32-36 months: 4 ferrets; >55 months: 7 ferrets), were included in the study. Generalized Estimation Equations, with Bonferroni corrected pairwise comparisons for age categories, were run. Most of the measured electrocardiographic parameters varied depending on age (all p < 0.05), although their trend across the three age groups was not the same for all the parameters. S wave amplitude and P wave duration varied according to sex. Findings of the present study can be useful for veterinary practitioners dealing with ferrets.