Silly question 101a:  Can ferrets cough?
I recently had an experience with a rescue ferret that alarmed me.  He has
only been with me a month and has already gained over a pound and by the
size and brightness of his teeth, along with what appears to be remnants of
baby fur, probably 7 - 9 mos old..  The other night I noticed he was having
slight jerking spasms, [sorta like hiccups, but I am familiar with those]
but more like dry heaves.  Now sometimes when playing hard after just eating
they may do this occasionally, but it is very rare.  However, these were of
irregular but persistent motions.  He was not pawing at his mouth, nor did
he vomit anything.  When I noticed they weren't stopping, I immediately took
him to the vet thinking he had swallowed something he should not have[he
would make these little gasping sounds, talk about panic!].  The vet
palpated, took x-rays, no pain or discomfort was presented, and no
abnormality appeared....While on the way to the vet, he sneezed several
times.  Also, by the time I got to the vet, the spasms had reduced both in
intensity and regularity but had not entirely disappeared.  His bm was
normal[as he could not wait to demonstrate this to the vet] and so was his
eating and drinking, so it did not appear that he was in much danger.
Still, I kept a watchful eye on him, listening to a stuffy nose, sneezing,
and an occasional, mild spasm.  His eating and stool remained normal for
him[biggest poop I've ever seen from a ferret!] I also checked it to see if
there was any abnormality in consistency, content, and color [what fun!].  I
also gave him a little Pepto[5ml] in case his tummy was irritated.  [The vet
called the next morning to check up, and I reported everything appeared ok.
So, is it possible that these spasms were the ferret equivalant of a cough?
After all, ferrets do get colds, so how do they clear any congestion they
may experience?  My girlfriend also reported having a cold.  Anyway, his
sneezing has subsided, but his nose still sounds stuffy [not runny though],
and he is not running a fever.  Also, as of this writing, his spasms have
stopped [he also appears to be in hyper-mode attacking the usual menagerie
of air goblins].  I would appreciate any input from those "in the know".
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I am serious and concerned.  Thanks in
advance,
 
alphachi
[Posted in FML issue 1810]