ABSTRACT
The ferret is similar in many ways to other carnivores (Fig. 3.1); however, the differences will be highlighted. The ferret has a rapid metabolism, as do other members of the Mustelidae. The average body temperature is 38.8ºC (range 37.8-40ºC).
The left adrenal gland lies at the cranial pole of the left kidney and adjacent to the caudal vena cava. Its blood supply comes from short vessels arising from the abdominal aorta and caudal vena cava. It is also drained by the adrenal lumbar vein. All three of these need to be ligated during adrenalectomy. There are also numerous small vessels in the fat surrounding the gland. It measures approximately 6-8 mm in length.
