COMMON DISEASES OF PET FERRETS
What are some of the common diseases of pet ferrets?
Common conditions of pet ferrets include diarrhea, intestinal foreign bodies,
parasites, ringworm, and various kinds of cancer.
What are the signs of these disease?
Diarrhea is not a disease per se, but rather a sign of a gastrointestinal
problem. In ferrets, there are several conditions that can result in diarrhea
Internal parasites can be a cause of diarrhea in ferrets. Viruses, although
not common, can also cause diarrhea in ferrets. Helicobacter musteli
is a spirochete-type of bacterium that causes ulcers and diarrhea in ferrets;
similar spirochetes cause stomach ulcers in people and dogs. Proliferative colitis
is caused by a Campylobacter bacterium and is treated with antibiotics.
Intestinal foreign bodies are a common problem in ferrets, especially those
less than 1 year old.
Being curious creatures, ferrets commonly investigate, chew, and swallow many
objects; most commonly rubber parts of shoes, furniture and mattress stuffing,
rubber bands, pencil rubbers, and parts of dog and cat toys are chewed and swallowed.
These obstructions are difficult to diagnose unless the owner observes the ferret
swallowing the object or sees a piece of the object missing. They are hard to
identify on routine radiographs (X-rays). Common signs are the same as with
many ferret diseases, and include lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea,
and gradual body wasting. Vomiting of a severe, projectile nature is suggestive
of a complete obstruction.
Like dogs and cats, ferrets can contract various intestinal parasites, as
well as external parasites such as fleas. Yearly microscopic fecal examinations
will allow easy diagnosis and treatment. External parasites, such as fleas,
ticks, mange, and ear mites, can also infect ferrets.
Ringworm is occasionally seen in ferrets and usually manifests as a circular
area of hair loss with slight scaliness along the periphery of the circle. Diagnosis
can only be accurately made with a special culture of the skin, scales, and
hair. It can be transmitted to other pets and to people, so care should be used
in handling infected ferrets.
Unlike dogs and cats, ferrets contract cancer quite readily and early in life.
Since early detection is critical to survival, every ferret 5 years of age and
older should have a geriatric screening at least annually. This screening includes
a complete blood count and organ profile, radiographs (X-rays) of the chest
and abdomen, urinalysis, and an ECG/EKG (an electrocardiogram).
There are several types of cancers commonly seen in the pet ferret. These
include cancer of the pancreas (called an insulinoma), adrenal gland tumors
(often seen in conjunction with the insulinoma), and lymphosarcoma (cancer of
the lymph nodes and lymphocytic white blood cells). Other types of cancers can
also occur in ferrets; any lump or bump should be immediately investigated by
your veterinary surgeon to check for cancer. Treated early, many types of cancers
can be cured.
How can I tell if my ferret is sick?
Signs of disease in ferrets may be specific for a certain disease. Most commonly,
however, signs are vague and nonspecific, such as a ferret with anorexia (lack
of appetite) and lethargy, which can be seen with many diseases including intestinal
foreign bodies, various causes of diarrhea, and many types of cancer. ANY deviation
from normal should be a cause for concern and requires immediate evaluation
by your veterinary surgeon.
How are ferret diseases treated?
Diarrhea can be treated with several different medications depending upon
the cause of the diarrhea Intestinal parasites are treated with the appropriate
deworming medication. Infectious causes of diarrhea in ferrets are treated with
antibiotics and occasionally anti-ulcer medication. Owners should avoid home
treatment without a proper diagnosis, as many diseases appear similar and mimic
each other.
Intestinal foreign bodies usually require immediate surgical removal. Since
signs of foreign bodies are very similar to other diseases (such as parasites
and infectious causes of diarrhea), early diagnosis and surgical intervention
is important.
Ringworm can be treated much the same as it is in dogs and cats and involves
medicated shampooing, topical medications, and oral medication for severe infections.
Mild infections often respond to topical therapy alone. Since ringworm appears
similar to other skin conditions, correct diagnosis is important before treatment
is started.
The various cancers can be treated surgically, medically, or with a combination
of both surgical removal of the tumor and medical chemotherapy depending upon
the type of cancer involved. Many cancers in ferrets can be treated, but early
diagnosis is essential.
Any of these diseases can be severe enough to cause a loss of appetite and
lethargy. When seen, these signs indicate a guarded prognosis and the need for
hospitalization and intensive care, which can include fluid therapy and force
feeding.
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