The Ferret in biomedical research. A review

Abstract

Ferrets have been widely used as experimental animals in biomedical research. In periodontal research, increasing concerns about the use of dogs and monkeys as experimental animals has added to the interest in the use of the ferrets as an experimental animal. The aim of this review is to present aspects of the animals biology and husbandry, including reproduction, housing and handling, nutritional requirements, diseases and anaesthesia. Finally, the characteristics of dentition and penodontal diseases are presented.