updated - sheesh, I forgot hind end weakness as part of the signs of
kidney disease. Duh.

Some things I've learned through the death of my precious Furrari.

We have to be smarter than the vets. Period. If you want to know why
they're doing something, ask. If you think they should be doing
something, tell them. It's your pet. Just like doctors, vets don't know
everything, and they certainly don't know everything about ferrets.
Don't be afraid to ask or say something. Your pet's life is in your
hands. We're all continually learning about them.

If your ferret has diarrhea for more than one day, it needs to be seen
by a vet. The ferret will be dehydrated from diarrhea and this can
cause other problems.

If your ferret has diarrhea for more than two days, consider it an
emergency situation and get it to a vet no matter what. There won't
be diarrhea on a third day because the ferret will be so dehydrated.

If your ferret has had diarrhea or is dehydrated, insist that the vet
sub-q with fluids if they are not planning to.

A ferret over three years old is considered geriatric and should be
seen by a vet for an annual check up and blood work up.

A ferret over four years old is considered old and should definitely
be seen by a vet for an annual check up and blood work up.

A ferret over three years old and/or with kidney problems should be
fed a diet with decreased protein - not too low, but lower than 40%.
Totally Ferret makes a geriatric ferret food.

Signs of kidney disease include:
Hind end weakness
Depression and lethargy
Ulcers in the mouth
Weakness
Increased drinking and urination
Drinking urine
Urinating outside the litter box / newspaper area
Loss of weight and appetite
Dehydration
Grinding / gnashing teeth (from pain or discomfort)
Frequent swallowing
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever (increased color in ears, feet, nose, mouth or skin)
Poor dental health

Common causes of kidney disease include:
Bacterial infections (such as E-Coli)
Diets too high in protein as the ferret gets older
Poisoning (such as ibuprofen toxicity)
Presence of other disease (adrenal, insulinoma, sarcoma), which stress
the kidneys over the lifetime or can spread to the kidneys (cancer)
Allergic reactions or sensitivities to medications (like anesthesia)
Old age
Trauma or infection involving kidney tissue
dehydration

Excellent article on renal failure:
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/renal.htm

[Posted in FML 5955]