Zinc poisoning in ferrets (Mustella putoris furo)

Abstract

An outbreak of illness is described in a group of experimentally-housed ferrets fed exclusively on raw meat which was accidentally contaminated with a zinc compound. The condition was manifested by nephrotoxicity, and zinc poisoning was diagnosed after autopsy and laboratory investigation.

Toleration of High Concentrations of Dietary Zinc by Mink

“…The hepatic and renal Zn concentrations of ferrets suspected of dying from Zn poisoning ranged from 203 to 881 ppm and 785 to 943 ppm (dry weight), respectively. 29 These values are considerably greater than the Zn concentrations observed in comparable tissues from mink fed Zn-supplemented diets in this study (Table 5). Decreases in hepatic and/or renal Cu and/or Fe concentrations with high dietary Zn levels, as reported for rats, 11,21,22,26 swine, 10 and ferrets, 28 were not observed in the mink, suggesting that the Zn-supplemented diets contained sufficient Cu and Fe to negate any evidence of antagonism between these elements.…”

“…1,7,13,17,29 Zinc toxicities and deficiencies are frequently complicated by the antagonistic relationship between Zn, Cu, and Fe. 30 The basal diet fed to the control mink (group 1) in this study contained 113 ppm Zn on a dry matter basis (40.1 ppm as fed), which was about twice the 59 ppm level suggested for growing mink.…”

Biology and Diseases of Ferrets

“…Zinc toxicosis has been reported from licking galvanized bars from which metals had leached during steam sterilization (Straube and Walden, 1981) (Table 14.1) Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box because they repeatedly urinate or defecate in one corner of the cage. The solid bottom is perforated with holes and is readily sanitizable.…”

Biology and Diseases of Ferrets

“…Ferrets like to lick and bite at their enclosures, so sharp edges and galvanized metal should be avoided. Zinc toxicosis has been reported from licking galvanized bars from which metals had leached during steam sterilization (Straube and Walden, 1981) (Table I).…”