Manitoba ferret association

Reasons for Ferret Hair Loss

While adrenal disease is the most common reason for ferret hair loss, there are other reasons for a ferret to start losing hair, a condition known as “alopecia.” This article will run through the various reasons and give hair loss patterns to look for.

Respiratory Infections in Ferrets: Signs, Causes, & Treatment

Upper respiratory infections are rare in healthy ferrets that are kept in a good environment and have limited to no contact with sickly animals. Ferrets that are most susceptible to infections include kits, older ferrets, ferrets with weakened or suppressed immune systems, and ferrets living in unhealthy conditions.

Spaying & Neutering Your Ferret

Because most ferrets in the United States come from large scale breeders, the majority of ferrets bred here are neutered or spayed at a very early age. Many states have laws that prevent the sale or ownership of whole or "unaltered" ferrets. However, there are small scale ferret breeders around the country, so there is a chance that you may one day find yourself the owner of an unaltered ferret. If that happens, there are a few things you need to know to properly care for your ferret.

Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen) in Ferrets

"Splenomegaly" is the medical term for the condition of having an enlarged spleen. Splenomegaly is very common in ferrets. Approximately 5% of all cases of splenomegaly are due to cancer.

Surgical Recovery

If you own ferrets, odds are that at one point, you are going to have a ferret that needs surgery. Many ferrets will develop adrenal disease during their lives, and in most cases the treatment will be surgery. Surgery is also performed in cases of insulinomas, blockages, certain biopsies and other conditions. It is important to know what to do before and after your ferret's surgery to make sure that she has a successful recovery as quickly as possible.

Vaccinating Your Ferret

Many people think that since their ferrets don't go outside the house or interact with other ferrets, they don't need to vaccinate them. This couldn't be further from the truth, and it actually puts their ferrets at risk. Ferrets need two vaccinations, canine distemper and rabies, and there are certain protocols you will need to follow to make sure they are effective and safe.