Other Ferret Illnesses
Anesthesia
Whenever your ferret undergoes an operation they will be administered an anesthetic to put them under. There are two forms Gas (isoflurane) and injectable. Most vets prefer the gas anesthetic as they have full control of how much is being given, and the ferret generally tolerates this form much better. Injectable anesthetics can not be controlled once administered, you have to wait it out, and ferrets generally have a harder time recovering. Vets who typically utilize this form do so for convenience sake and lower price. Isoflurane (gas) is the form of choice.
Coccidiosis
This disease infects the lining of the ferrets intestinal track. Coccidiosis is usually due to poor sanitation and can be picked up from the environment. This disease can be life threatening in kits, while adults can tolerate and get over this infection (diarrheas is generally the most consistent sign). Ferrets generally respond well to Albon (sulfa-based antibiotics), and all ferrets exposed in the home should be treated.
Dental Health
Gum disease in all animals including ferrets can lead into additional health problems such as heart disease and respiratory diseases like pneumonia. Ferrets 3 years of age or older should have their teeth cleaned annually by a professional to remove plaque and prevent periodontal disease and teeth loss. During the procedure your ferret is administered a general anesthetic and the vet will use a steel scraper or ultrasonic scaler to loosen/remove plaque.
DIMS
DISSEMINATED IDIOPATHIC MYOSITIS
Usually affects ferrets younger than a year old and carries a high mortality rate. The disease does not appear to be contagious or related to food or specific breeders. The onset of DIMS has been reported as a very quick (fine one day, sick the next). Initial signs are severe persistent fluctuating fever, lethargy, weakness, masses under the skin, abnormal stools and decreased appetite. Additional signs (especially as the disease progresses) includes increased breathing rate, clear discharge from nose/ eyes, pain/ discomfort, depression and skin changes. Increased heart rate and murmurs may also be detected.
While signs come on quickly, duration can be days to weeks to months before death. Almost every suspected/ confirmed case has a very elevated WBC, neutrophils usually the predominate type. Often the ferret will become anemic, have increased glucose levels and blood protein. Albumin is usually decreased. Despite severe muscle damage and inflammation, the creatine kinase (CR) which is usually elevated in these conditions, is not. To date, the cause of disease cannot be identified, nor is it understood; there is no treatment and supportive care has not been effective.
Click here to download the AFA Medical alert on DIMS.
Currently research is underway to try and understand this new ferret disease. If you and your vet suspect DIMS, you can complete the case report form and send in with biopsy samples. Click here to download the order form in PDF.
Eosinophillic Enteritis (EE)
This disease generally seen in male ferrets. There is a large accumulation of eosinophils (type of white blood cells usually found with allergic reactions to parasites) found in the walls of the GI. The eosinophils contain granules in their cytoplasm which are released upon contact of parasites causing damage to the tissue. EE is usually determined by the rule out of other illnesses, and a CBC should show elevated eosinophils in the peripheral blood.
Treatment is usually life-long and consists of Prednisone (allergy treatment) and if parasites are confirmed, Ivermectin. Once Prednisone is stopped, the symptoms will once again return, so the goal is to find the lowest dosage to administer that will still be effective.
Flea Control
Frontline, Advantage and Revolution are all safe and effective flea control on ferrets and lasts about one month
Frontline kills fleas, ticks and works on ear mites as well. The spray form which should be used 1 spray per pound, is the most effective and most economical. You can also use the cat monthly top spot or cat size Frontline Plus. For ear mites, you should apply 1 spray into each ear and 1 spray on top of the neck.
Advantage kills fleas only. You can use the cat size tube (1/2 to 1 tube per ferret). This application can wash off in baths.
Revolution kills fleas, ticks, ear mites and skin mites and can be used for heartworm prevention. You can use the 5-15 lb cat size.
Ear mites: You can use either Frontline, Revolution (as mentioned above), Acarexx, Tresaderm or Ivomec.
Continued on the Other Ferret Illnesses Part 2
