Other Ferret Illnesses part 3
Mast Cell Tumors
This is the second most common tumor of the skin in ferrets. Mast cell tumors are almost always benign (non-cancerous) and pose no significant health risk. They appear as flat scaly areas on the skin with many associated with hair loss at the site. Usually appears as an itchy scab. Mast cells usually are near blood vessels and full of histamines. When stimulated, the histamines are released causing blood vessles nearby to dilate and leak fluid, which makes the ferret very itchy. They may cause hive like appearance, congestion, swelling, itching and general irritation. Frequency usually increases with age and several can be present at the same time. As they rarely invade below the skin surface, they can easily be surgically removed. If excision is complete, they won't return, it not, they will return.
Megaesophagus
This condition is characterized by the dilation of the esophagus due to lack of muscular motility. The ferret may have problems breathing or regurgitate its food as the food does not get passed into the stomach, but rather swells in the esophagus. Immediate vet care is essential as the ferret is not getting to the stomach, it can dehydrate and waste away in a few days time. This condition can be diagnosed by first giving a barium, then feeding the ferret and immediately taking an X-ray (food will show up in the esophagus).
Though prognosis is poor, you can certainly help the ferret live with this condition. Zantac, Pepcid or Tagament is usually prescribed to reduce reflux of the stomach acids, and should be given prior to eating. Proper feeding and hydration is key to survival, a bland diet should be given 3-5 times a day; the ferret should never go more than 8-10 hours without food. You should massage the ferrets throat to chest area to stimulate them to swallow. As the ferret is able to take in and hold down the food, slightly increase its thickness. Cisapride or Metaclopromide may increase motility.
Poops
It is extremely important to keep in mind that one or two irregular poops does not make for a sick ferret.....do not become a poop watcher. The following has been provided by Dr. Bruce Williams:
Green: Generally represents food moving through the system too quickly.
Black Tarry : Very suggestive of gastric bleeding and usually associated with gastric ulcers. The black color is the result of blood digestion taking place in the stomach.
Bloody: In small amounts, usually from the large bowel or rectum. If a lot of blood, could be from the entire length of the GI tract. Massive hemorrhage is from severe gastric fluids or shock.
Birdseed appearance: Represents maldigestion/malabsorption - undigested fat and starches (can be seen with any disease/illness). If continues, you should remove hard kibble for a few days and feed a bland diet (ie; Gerbers baby food-chicken or Duck Soup).
Pencil Thin: You should start thinking about a partial obstruction, usually a foreign body.
Renal Failure
Usually found in older ferrets when the kidneys lose the ability to perform their function due to the continual lose of renal tissue. As the disease progresses, it becomes chronic as the kidneys can no longer excrete substances, and therefore it builds up into the blood.
Renal failure can by measured by measuring certain blood and urine parameters. When 65% of the kidney function is lost, they will lose the ability to concentrate urine. When 90% of the kidney is lost, certain substances back up in the kidneys and can be found in increased levels in the blood which can be found on a chemistry panel (urea, creatinine, phosphorus). When the BUN level is severely increased, they may have an ammonia smell on their breath and have mouth ulcers. As the tissues never heal or replace, there is no cure, you can only provide supportive treatment to decrease levels of toxic substances in the blood, including providing a low protein diet. Regular administration of Sub-Q fluids are key to maintaining their health.
Splenomegaly
This is more commonly known as en enlarged spleen, and may be attributable to proliferative lesions, reactive processes or compensatory mechanisms. Common causes induce neoplasia (mostly lymphoma), Adrenal disease, anemia or pancytopenia, bacteria sepsis, generalized chronic debilitating illnesses or EMH (Extramedullary Hemotopoiesis). Use of certain anesthetics can cause enlargements dramatically, which is why important to evaluate by palpation, radiography or ultrasound "before" anesthesia.
Diagnostic tests include palpation and X-rays for size and aspirate or biopsy to determine cytology or histology. EMH is a common feature in spleens and is believed to be a common and benign cause. Causes are not yet fully known, and a tentative diagnosis can be made on an aspirate.
Continued on the Other Ferret Illnesses Part 4
