Ferrets vary considerably in temperament, ranging from non-aggressive pet animals to more unpredictable animals which are maintained for rabbiting. Laboratory ferrets are normally reasonably easy to restrain, but occasionally a particularly aggressive animal may be encountered. The ferret should be grasped firmly around the neck and the hind-limbs and pelvis gripped as the animal is lifted clear of its transport box or cage. It is often helpful to distract the animal’s attention before grasping it. Unlike other small mammals, the ferret has a powerful and well-muscled neck and this must be held firmly. The handler’s thumb and forefinger should be positioned beneath the mandible so that the animal cannot lower its head to bite.
Oral administration
The easiest method of oral administration of compounds is to incorporate the substance into a palatable material which the ferret will ingest voluntarily. Alternatively, the ferret can be restrained by an assistant, and a feeding tube inserted into the mouth. Liquid can then be administered from a syringe in 0.5 ml aliquots, allowing the animal the opportunity to swallow frequently.
Subcutaneous injection
Subcutaneous injection can be given into the scruff of the neck. Some animals have a well-developed fat pad in this region, so care should be taken to avoid injecting too deeply, as some materials are poorly absorbed from adipose tissue.
Intraperitoneal injection
Intraperitoneal injection can be made as described for other species, lateral to the midline, midway between the umbilicus and pelvis.
Intramuscular injection
Suitable sites include the quadriceps muscle and the posterior thigh, although care must be taken to avoid the sciatic nerve and femoral artery when using the latter site.
Intravenous injection
The cephalic vein on the foreleg provides a convenient site for intravenous injection. The animal is restrained by an assistant, with a firm grasp around the animal’s neck. The hair overlying the vein is clipped, and the vein raised by the assistant with manual pressure around the elbow joint. Alternatively, the jugular vein can be used.