FERRET FAQ FOR NEW AND PROSPECTIVE OWNERS Compiled and edited by Pamela Greene ([log in to unmask]) (version 1.1, 1/31/94) This FAQ is being distributed to the FML in 21 pieces in order to encourage your comments and suggestions. I'd also be happy to send you the whole file; it's roughly 75kB, but I can split it into smaller segments if your mailer has problems with large messages. *** PART 19 of 21 *** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - [ Note to FML: This section is continued from the previous installment. ] - A swollen abdomen. Bloating may come from many problems such as heart disease, splenic enlargement, or even just fat animals. [begin PG] - A painful abdomen. Could be any of several disorders, but the most common is an intestinal blockage, caused by eating something indigestible such as a sponge or an eraser. Not all blockages cause abdominal pain, though. Also see question 7.2. - Change in "bathroom" habits. Suddenly refusing to use a litter pan or missing a lot more than usual, signs of discomfort or distress while using a pan, or any funny color or texture in the feces or urine could be a sign of any of a number of problems. [begin BW] Changes in bathroom habits, in my experience, are most commonly seen with a change in the environment, which causes stress to the animal. [begin PG] - Lumps in the body or feet. These are most often associated with tumors, which may be benign or cancerous. They can also be a sign of an infection, or the result of dietary problems. Have any swelling or lump checked out. (See question 6.2 about vaccine reactions.) - Difficulty using the hind feet, lack of movement, awkward gait. Most often a sign of an adrenal or pancreatic tumor, or arthritis, in older ferrets. Could also be an injured back, the result of having been stepped or sat upon, closed in a door, or the like. Ferrets have very flexible spines, but they're easily injured. [begin BW] This is a common finding in older animals of many species - the most common cause is a mild degeneration of the nerves in the spinal cord or those innervating the legs. In most of these cases, there is nothing to be done, but it also rarely results in paralysis, just variable amounts of weakness. [begin PG] - Overheating. Ferrets do not tolerate high temperatures well at all. They (like any pet) should NEVER be left in a hot car, and if you're keeping them outdoors be sure to provide some shade and plenty of water in summer. Allowing them to sleep under hot radiators is probably also a bit risky. [begin BW] Temperatures as low as in the eighties can be life-threatening to ferrets without shade or water. [begin PG] - Loose skin and dull eyes. Generally caused by dehydration, which is serious in such a small animal. - Unexplained hair loss. Not the usual seasonal shedding, which should happen twice a year (but the times may vary due to indoor lighting conditions), but a severe loss, especially if more than the tail is affected. Also see questions 5.3 and 7.2. - Seizures. It's pretty obvious that these indicate some kind of problem. Most often the result of islet cell tumors in the pancreas causing extremely low blood sugar, but there are many other causes too. See question 7.2. - Diarrhea or vomiting. Both of these are serious, since ferrets are easily dehydrated. Diarrhea may be caused by milk products, which contain lactose that ferrets do not tolerate, or by a number of diseases. Ferrets do not generally vomit unless they're rather ill, although during shedding season they may "spit up" a bit due to hair in the throat. (See question 3.5 on helping to prevent hairballs.) - Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, lethargy. Yes, ferrets catch human colds and flu. They'll generally rest and drink a lot. A visit to the vet would probably be a good idea, particularly if the cold looks bad or lasts more than a few days. [begin BW] - Tooth grinding. Almost exclusively abdominal pain. #1 cause - stress-associated gastric ulcers. [Posted in FML issue 0738]