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With
regular veterinary care, proper nutrition and plenty
of playtime, your ferret should remain in fine form
throughout his life. But members of this species
are very sensitive, and are prone to a variety of
illnesses. Discussed here are some of the most common
ones to watch out for.
Ferret Health Is Important for a Happy Ferret
Did
you know that blockage in the intestine and stomach
is the leading cause of death in young ferrets?
These curious animals will eat anything in their
paths, including indigestible items such as erasers
and rubber bands. Some signs of blockage include
vomiting, bloating and constipation; in worst-case
scenarios, stomach surgery may be required. As a
responsible pet owner, you'll need to ferret-proof
your home and keep all dangerous objects out of
your fuzzball's reach. Blockages can even be caused
by hairballs, so it's also important to regularly
give your pet a hairball preventive.
A
great many ferrets, especially older individuals,
suffer from gum disease, or inflammation of the
gums. Particles of food, saliva and bacteria can
quickly build up on your little guy's teeth to form
plaque, which can then harden into a grayish-greenish
tartar. If left untreated, the buildup can lead
to tooth decay. Regular home check-ups, twice-monthly
brushings and, if necessary, annual cleanings by
your veterinarian will help prevent problems.
Some
animals may like it hot, but not ferrets. This species
is highly susceptible to heatstroke, which can be
fatal. Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting,
lethargy and seizures. As a precaution, take care
that your pet's cage is not in direct sunlight,
and never leave your ferret in a hot or locked car
when the weather heats up.
Parasitic
infections have bugged many a ferret. Coccidiosis,
for example, a common protozoan infection, causes
diarrhea, lethargy and weight loss. You vet can
diagnose this disease via a stool sample. Helicobacter
mustelae infection is a bacterial disease that affects
the stomach lining, causing diarrhea, vomiting,
weight loss and dark, tar-like stools. Although
all too common, it can be treated with medication
prescribed by your vet.
The Most Serious Ferret Diseases
The
three most serious--and among the most common--diseases
in ferrets are adrenal disease, insulinoma and lymphoma.
Signs of adrenal disease range from hair loss and
lethargy to anemia and loss of appetite. In spayed
females, often the most prominent symptom is a swollen
vulva. Your veterinarian can diagnose this disease,
and treatment may include the surgical removal of
the adrenal glands. Insulinoma--cancer of the pancreas
or tumors of insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas--causes
a rapid drop in blood sugar level. Treatment varies
from supportive care and medication to surgery.
Some signs of lymphoma include lethargy, weight
loss, enlarged lymph nodes and a severely weakened
immune system. Some lymphomas can be treated with
chemotherapy.
A
little prevention on your part will go a long way
to insure a healthy life for your ferret. If you
live in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes,
talk to your vet about heartworm medication. Heartworm
infection causes labored breathing, heart murmur
and a constant cough. It's also important that you
have your pet vaccinated against canine distemper.
This highly contagious virus can be brought in your
home on shoes or clothing--and is fatal to ferrets.
If
you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet, do
not wait until your yearly check-up to consult your
vet. Signs of illness include vomiting, diarrhea,
hair loss, lack of appetite, heavy panting and difficulty
breathing. If you think your ferret is ill, it's
important to contact the veterinarian immediately.
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