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Chronic Illnesses
Ulcers
Ulcers are fairly common among ferrets, especially our older fuzzies. Ulcers are caused by many factors , including stress either from moving, losing a cage mate, having other illnesses, eating a low quality food, being injured, being overcrowded or abused, and/or due to lack of exercise. Other factors that may contribute to an ulcer include ulcer-causing medications ( i.e. aspirin or other non-steroidal, like anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen ), bacterial invasions, a foreign body, bile, reflux or kidney failure. When any one of the components in this system breaks down, it leaves the stomach lining open to attack from the stomach acid and this is what causes ulcers.
Stomach acid is known for it's caustic nature, so it may help to know how the stomach lining protects itself from this strong acid. Stomach lining cells are crowed together very tightly in order that they form a strong seal and thus preventing the acid from getting deeper into the tissue below and between the cells. This system of sealed cells, working along with membranous coverings and the production of an alkaline substance that counteracts the effects of the acid, all serve to protect the stomach lining. When any one of the components in this system breaks down, it leaves the stomach lining open to attack from the stomach acid and this is what causes ulcers.
Some of the signs that your ferret might have an ulcer include teeth grinding (an almost sure sign of abdominal pain), black or tarry stools, drooling , pawing at the mouth, weight loss, lethargy and anorexia. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases, as they are fairly generalized symptoms. However, if a ferret has bloody stool or black tarry stool it is almost certain that some type of internal bleeding is taking place and the ferret needs immediate medical attention.
The treatment of an ulcer depends greatly on its' cause and each treatment should be discussed with your vet thoroughly. Be sure to ask what the pros and cons of any treatment might be and what prognosis you can expect. Also, check with your vet to see if a bland diet of Duck Soup, pureed chicken or meat only baby food is recommended. Providing a bland diet may help to sustain your ferret during a time of reduced intake of other food. Finally, continually monitor your ferret's food intake. If the ferret stops eating, drinking or pooping, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS, IBD is a disease we know relatively little about in ferrets. IBD is, just as the name says, an inflammation of the bowel however, the cause of this disease remains a mystery. IBD may be caused by a bacteria or protozoa infection in combination with an inflammation or allergic reaction. Notice this doesn't really tell us much! One thing we do know for sure is that for whatever reason the immune response that normally takes place when an invader is found in the intestine fails to shut down. No one really knows why the immune response initiates and continues reacting in animals that are affected with IBD. One explanation may be that the invader is never really removed completely. Another explanation may be that the body continues to react to a substance that should normally be seen as harmless by the immune system such as normally occurring bacteria in the gut or a component found in a new food source. Still another popular theory is that there is a malfunction in the workings of the immune system leaving it unable to turn off the immune response. Regardless of what theory you believe, the end result is the same.a persistent inflammatory response that won't shut off without medical intervention and continual damage to the bowel. There is no blood test to check for IBD, however there is the option of taking an endoscopic biopsy. Be sure that you and your vet are convinced that a ferret has IBD prior to starting any therapies as some of the medical interventions for IBD can actually cause other conditions such as Helicobacter, coccidiosis and proliferative colitis to get worse. In most cases the treatment used is a course of immuno-suppressive medications , especially Prednisone. The biggest concern with using Prednisone is that it is not specific to the gut and will effect the entire body and -- possibly leaving your ferret open to other illnesses. A change in diet may help as well. Check with your vet to see if a bland diet of Duck Soup , pureed chicken or meat only baby food is recommended. Providing a bland diet may help to sustain your ferret during a time of reduced intake of other food. As with an ulcer, continually monitor your ferret's food intake. If the ferret stops eating, drinking or pooping, medical attention should be sought immediately. Finally, monitor your ferret's feces for the amount of undigested food (the more the poop looks like birdseed, the less food has been digested). If it seems that your ferret is not processing food adequately, a trip to the vet is well advised. Keep your eyes peeled for more research in this area, as new findings are just around the corner and could seriously improve the health of all ferrets suffering from IBD.
Splenomegaly
Splenomegaly means having an enlarged spleen. Some ferrets have this problem early in life and it may come and go and some ferrets get it late in life and it stays enlarged.
No one knows for sure what causes it.
The spleen's function is to act as a filter for the blood and also to store the blood.
Ferrets do well after their spleens are removed but it is not necessary to remove them all. Cancerous spleens should definitely be removed to prevent metastasis. Also, if the spleen is so large that the ferret is uncomfortable, the spleen should be removed. If it is particularly large, it may be best to remove it to avoid a rupture. Your vet will make this decision and discuss it with you.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that involves an abnormal heart muscle. It is most commonly seen in ferrets aged 4 and over. There are two different kinds of cardiomyopathy. One involves a 'floppy' heart wall and the other involves a thickened heart wall. This condition leads to a build-up of fluid in the lungs and difficulty breathing. A ferret with cardiomyopathy will become weak and lethargic. Diuretics (water pills) are most commonly used to treat this. Your vet will be able to diagnose this and treat as needed. The long term prognosis is guarded and your ferret may suddenly 'crash'. You will need to work closely with the vet to keep your ferret comfortable and live as long as possible.
