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Ferrets are plagued by many health issues, and it's important to know not only the basics of first aid and preventative healthcare, but also the signs and treatments for more serious diseases. Make sure you'll be able to help your ferret when it counts.
Addison's Disease in Ferrets
Addison's disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, occurs when a ferret has a severe deficiency or total lack of the hormones made in the adrenal cortex. It usually occurs when both adrenal glands are removed, called a bilateral adrenalectomy, because of adrenal disease. What should you look for and how is it treated?
Adrenal Disease
Adrenal disease is most common in ferrets over the age of three years, but it can affect ferrets as young as a year old. Adrenal disease is one of the most prevalent ferret diseases, and there is no definitive test for it. Ferret owners need to know as much as possible about it to be able to recognize it and help the ferret after he is diagnosed by the veterinarian.
Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV)
Of growing concern to ferret owners, breeders, and rescue organizations is Aleutian Disease (AD). Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV) is a parvovirus, but not the same strains as those that affect dogs, cats, or humans.
Canine Distemper in Ferrets
Canine distemper is an airborne virus that is extremely contagious. It can be spread through direct or indirect contact, and you can bring it into your home on your shoes and clothing. Ferrets are extremely susceptible to the canine distemper virus, and the fatality rate of ferrets that contract canine distemper is virtually 100%. Because this disease is so fatal for ferrets, it is very important that all ferret owners know the symptoms of canine distemper, as well as how to prevent it.
Contact Your Veterinarian When Your Ferret Shows These Signs
The following information may help you decide which conditions are absolute emergencies, and which ones may let you take a "wait and see" attitude.
Deafness in Ferrets
Parenting a deaf ferret isn’t all that different than parenting a regular ferret. Their lives don’t suffer any for not being able to hear, and they can still be the loving, playful ferrets that hearing ferrets can be. There are just a few things you should know if you are the parent of a deaf ferret.
Diabetes in Ferrets
One of my ferrets was recently diagnosed with diabetes. When I did some research, I discovered that there was a definite lack of information available about diabetes in ferrets. This article is not meant to tell you exactly how to treat your diabetic ferret, but rather to share with you the information that I've come across as well as what I have found to be effective or ineffective. Any courses of treatment or changes in treatment should be discussed thoroughly with your veterinarian.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Ferrets
Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common heart disease in ferrets. In cardiomyopathy, for some reason, muscle cells in the heart start to die. As a result, the heart starts to weaken and cannot pump efficiently.
Disseminated Idiopathic Myositis (DIM) in Ferrets ('Polymyositis')
Disseminated Idiopathic Myositis (DIM), also known as "Polymyositis," is a "new" disease in pet ferrets. Myositis, or polymyositis, is an inflammation of the muscles. "Disseminated" means it is widespread throughout the body. "Idiopathic" means we, at present, do not understand the cause.
ECE: The Green Slime Disease
Characterized by neon green, slimy diarrhea, ECE is an inflammation of the mucous membranes in the intestines. ECE is a very common problem, especially among pet store kits. So how can you recognize the symptoms, and once the disease is diagnosed, how can you treat it?
Gastric Ulcers
Gastric ulcers are fairly common in ferrets, so it’s essential that you familiarize yourself with the symptoms. If caught in time, ulcers are completely treatable, so recognizing and properly identifying symptoms can save your ferrets life!
