Common Ferret Illnesses

The Flu

Just as humans are susceptible to the the flu, so are ferrets. And just as when we are sick, ferrets have to "ride out" these illnesses as there are no cures available. Some of the symptoms of a cold or the flu in a ferret include sneezing, coughing, runny nose and eyes, a fever, lethargy, wheezing, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Although there is no way to really stop ameliorate the symptoms , you can offer supportive care to your ferret. Be sure your ferret drinks plenty of fluid (if they are not drinking, try offering them bubble gum flavored Pedialyte) and that they do not stop eating or pooping . You may notice signs that the ferret's stomach is upset ( esp. one symptom is teeth grinding), in which case your vet may prescribe a stomach coating agent such as Pepto Bismol. You may give the ferret a stomach coating agent (.25 ml of Pepto-Bismol twice a day) . Additionally, the ferret may have severe congestion in which case a decongestant could help (.2 - .25 ml of pediatric, non-alcoholic Benedryl twice a day) . Finally, to prevent your other ferrets from getting sick, you should separate the ferret from the others and wash your hands frequently.

Some words of warning: Many illnesses start with what seem to be flu-like symptoms. Also, there are many infections that can spring up having used a cold or the flu as a spring-board, like bacterial pneumonia among others. Track the number of days your ferret got is sick. If the symptoms persist for longer than 5 - 7 days or if your ferret stops eating, drinking or going to the bathroom, take your ferret to a vet immediately.

If you have a cold or the flu, you can take precautions to help prevent your fuzzies from getting sick. Most ideally, don't handle your ferrets at all! Have someone else in your house take care of them for a few days. If this is not an option for you, do the following things before getting near your fuzzbutts. First, wrap either a bandana or other cloth around your face covering both your nose and mouth. Second, wash your hands thoroughly (for at least 30 seconds under warm water including under your nails using anti-bacterial soap). Third, put a shirt on that is clean - even if only over the clothes you have on. Fourth, and last, do not put your hands or the ferret near your face. By following these precautions you just might save your fuzzy from the misery that you are feeling!

Blockages / Hairballs

Ferrets can get blockages from almost anything. Pieces of rubber, plastic, dried fruit , litter or bedding are all hazards and that just names a few. They can also get hairballs from cleaning themselves. This is more of a risk when they are shedding because there is so much loose hair. Indications that your ferret has a hairball or blockage is coughing, loss of appetite, apparent difficulty pooping or thin to no poop, pawing at the mouth, and vomiting .

Laxative and petroleum jelly are good laxatives to use to help pass anything that doesn't belong inside your ferret. This isn't a sure fix though. If the object is too large, it will not pass. At this point If the laxative doesn't help your ferret pass the blockage or he isn't pooping normally, you will need to see your vet immediately for surgery to remove the foreign object. It can be confirmed by an x-ray or a barium study (your Vet vet will determine the best way to confirm the blockage).

Teeth

The two most common tooth problems in ferrets are periodontal disease and fractured canines. Periodontal disease involves infection of the bones, gums and tissue connecting the teeth. This is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, receding gum lines or age.

Plaque and tartar buildup are also common and can be kept to a minimum with regular cleanings. Your vet can show you how to do maintenance cleanings but your vet will may also need to clean the teeth periodically under anesthesia.

Ferrets sometimes bite on their cage when they are bored or want more playtime. This can result in a fractured canine. Luckily for ferrets, the pulp nerve and blood supply doesn't extend very far into the tooth so this doesn't usually cause problems. If your ferret has tooth pain, he won't be able to eat. If this seems to cause your ferret pain, see your Vet vet immediately.

Ferrets also can get foreign objects stuck in their mouths. It can be any thing from to a piece of kibble to a string from their bedding. If you notice your ferret gagging or pawing at its mouth, check for a foreign object. These can often be removed by you , however, a trip to the vet may be needed .