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 ***
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[ 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]
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