Other Ferret Illnesses part 2
Acarexx is actually diluted Ivermectin ear drops. You should use 1 tube per ear and repeat after 3 weeks.
Ivomec: This is an injectable or topical form of Ivermectin, and should be repeated in 3 weeks.
Tresaderm: Ear Drops. 3 drops per ear twice daily for 10 days, stop 10 days and repeat another 10 days.
Heartworm: Heartgard, Interceptor, Revolution (as mentioned above) or Ivomec can be used as a preventative measure (treatment is different once infected).
Heartgard: You can use the 0-25 lb dog or 0-5 lb cat once a month
Interceptor: You can use the 0-10 lb dog once a month
Revolution: 5-15 lb cat once a month
Ivomec: diluted once per month
Flu
Usually causes upper respiratory symptoms with possible fever that may diminish within 48 hours. They may exhibit bouts of sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, nasal discharge, lethargic, loss of appetite and rub their face often. While not common, it is possible for the flu to turn into pneumonia. Treatment consists of supportive care with nutrition and hydration being key. In severe cases, antihistamines and antibiotics might be prescribed.
Lower respiratory problems may also be present consisting of coughing, labored breathing, wheezing and respiratory crackles. Ferrets can NOT catch the human cold (Rhinovirus). often what we commonly call the cold, is not a true cold but rather a respiratory infection, sinus infection, etc.
Hairballs
Yes, ferrets do get hairballs and intestinal blockages, but unfortunately they do lack the natural reflux ability of coughing it up. You can cut down and/or eliminate any/all accumulations by providing your ferret Laxatone/Petromalt on a weekly basis. If an accumulation or blockage does accumulate it might be necessary to have the substance removed surgically.
If you notice your ferret cutting down on its food intake or not eating at all, different looking poops, hind leg motor weakness, coughing, etc you should take them to the vet immediately for testing, as this usually signifies a blockage either in their stomach or intestines. All of the above signs are not just indicative of blockages, but also can be signs of other illness, and a medical exam is certainly warranted as soon as possible. If a hairball accumulation/blockage is left untreated, in time it could result in serious complications including death.
Your ferret can also exhibit these signs due to other types of blockages caused by swallowing pieces of their toys, styrofoam peanuts, rubber objects (pencil erasers), foam, strings, fabrics, towels, cigarette butts, gum, etc. Depending on the size of the blockage surgical removal might be necessary. It is important to check all new and used toys and bedding items constantly to ensure no lose pieces, they are not chewed through, as well as nothing is around they can chew/swallow that can cause them any harm.
If you own multiple ferrets, which most owners do, and have other animals in the house, your best safeguard is to weekly provide them with a lubricant such as Laxatone/Petromalt. This becomes more important during the shedding season due the increased amount of fur, as well as the additional fur from other animals your ferret can ingest from grooming.
Heliocobactor
Heliocobactor is a bacteria resulting in chronic infection of the stomach which eventually destroys the stomach lining impairing the ability to secrete acid and digest food and causes two stomach syndromes: Chronic atrophic gastritis and Peptic ulcers. Chronic atrophic gastritis can be a common finding in ferrets over the age of 3, where the bacteria causes an inflammatory response resulting in loss of the pylorus glandular epithelium, and increases the pH of the stomach. Although not proven, there is strong evidence pointing to a relationship with gastric ulcers. Treatment usually consists of a combination of Amoxicillian, Flagyl and Pepto-Bismol over a 4-8 weeks period.
Leukemia
Composed of lymphocytes and affects the blood. The tumor cells circulate in the blood and can affect the bone marrow. Ferrets often develop anemia and prognosis is very poor.
Continued on the Other Ferret Illnesses Part 3
