Ferrets and Diseases

Ferrets and Diseases

The owner cannot always easily notice the signs and symptoms of many ferret diseases. Sometimes it is too late to go to the vet because the condition could have worsened a lot. This happens many times and many ferrets die due to some peculiar ferret diseases. It is extremely vital to get your pet checked every month in the least. This way you can keep your ferret healthy and out of harm’s way. This is a safety precaution that all ferret owners should take.

A common disease among ferrets over three years of age is adrenal disease. This is because of overproduction of steroid hormones in the ferret. Several other hormones may also be involved like androgens and cortisol though the cortisol levels might appear to be normal. Treatment of adrenal disease involves surgically removal of the affected gland. In small number of cases, both glands may be affected. Hence, the removal of one and a biopsy of the second can be done or both the glands can be removed according to the situation.

Intestinal blockages occur because of indigestible materials like string, rubber or fabrics. The symptoms include constipation, lack of bowel movement, vomiting, bloating, drooling or heaving. The first precaution is to keep your ferret hydrated. The second option is surgery, which is evident in many cases. This does not exactly classify in ferret diseases but is more of a sickness.

Islet cell tumors are the insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas. Their main effect is to drop the blood sugar level. Insulinoma, as it is also called, shows the following symptoms:

* Lethargy
* Loss of appetite
* Wobbly gait
* Pawing at the mouth
In extreme cases, episodes of blankness or seizures may occur.

This is seen in ferrets over the age of three. The overproduction of insulin by pancreatic islet cells results in hypoglycemia. Clinical signs are attributable to hypoglycemic episodes: hind limb weakness, ataxia, hyper salivation, increased amount of sleeping, glazed eyes or stuporous appearance. Seizures are seen in advanced cases.

Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Two main types of this cancer are classic or juvenile. The classic lymphoma occurs in older ferrets and the juvenile one occurs in younger ones. Classic lymphosarcoma causes enlarged lymph nodes and irregularities in blood count. There are no outward signs until the disease has progressed. Juvenile lymphoma affects ferrets under fourteen months and does not cause enlarged lymph nodes but it hits hard and fats.

Splenomegaly is a disease in which the spleen enlarges and there is a swelling in the upper abdomen. Sometimes the enlarged spleen causes no damage or discomfort to the ferret and hence can be left as it is. However, if the ferret shows signs of lethargy, poor appetite and decreased activity then the spleen should be removed immediately.

Helicobacter mustelae infection is the most common of all the ferret diseases. It is a bacterial infection of the stomach lining. Older ferrets with long-standing infections can develop gastric problems due to the bacteria’s ability to decrease the acid production in the stomach. Symptoms include repetitive vomiting, signs of gastric ulcer and lack of appetite.

Even though ferrets may look okay, sometimes, they could be suffering from various ferret diseases. Periodical check-ups from a vet are necessary so that you can keep your pet healthy and happy for years to come.