To Bryan Wood -
 
    There could be several reasons why Mel is not eating as much and is
losing some weight - two of which you mentioned.  One ist he change of
seasons - ferrets during the breeding season (even if fixed) will often
increase activity and decrease eating - this works for them in the wild to
get out and get bred or find several females to breed with.  I see this
every year with one of my neutered males in the spring - he loses a lot of
hair and weight, but puts it back on every fall....
 
    Also, the increased activity of Mel now that Nakita has joined the fold
may simply be slimming her down.  If she was a cage potato before, but is
not now - her body may just be adjusting her weight to her new activity
level....
 
    Another possibility for Mels weight loss and decreased food intake,
though, may be stress.  Stay on the lookout for signs of gstric ulcers -
tarry stools, grinding the teeth, vomiting or diarrhea.  The introduction
of a new ferret and the new competition for food can be a stressful time
for a ferret.
 
Bruce Williams, DVM  [log in to unmask]  OR  [log in to unmask]
Bruce Williams, DVM, DACVP              Department of Veterinary Pathology
[log in to unmask]               Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
[log in to unmask]             Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
(202) 782-2600/2602
[Posted in FML issue 1193]