To Stacy:
>Now I know that there is no direct or simple answer to this question but
>I find that I am constantly concerned and at times think that my ferts
>show symptoms of some of the posts, however, they seem perfectly healthy
>but I do worry that it might be me over-seeing something......
 
There are so many different diseases of ferrets, and so many possible
variable afecting normal ferrets - it would be unusual if you didn't
occasionally see something that had been mentioned on the FML - tail hair
loss, the occasional cough, some itchiness - these are things that we often
see in normal ferrets.  The key for veterinarians (and owners as well), is
to figure out when a combination of signs (or one or two classic ones)
indicate disease.  And rarely are diseases treated on clnical signs alone -
more sophisitcated tests, such as X-rays or blood tests are often required
to get to a diagnosis.
 
>for example with there poops, I do make sure to monitor there poops, for
>signs, however, ferret poops to me are always different, sometimes full
>while other times smaller but are the majority of the time solid,
 
Try not to be a "stool-gazer" - when monitoring stools, we tend to look at
trends, rather than the individiual stool.  It is not uncommon that one
stools looks great, and the next seedy or somewhat runny - and it is the
rare event when two in a row are the same color.  When our son Connor was
born, my wife - who is very calm and efficient with the ferrets, became a
stool-gazer, and nearly drove me (and the pediatrician) to distraction....
 
>I have never noticed a change in there eating habits and if at times I am
>worried, I will test there appetite by offering them a raisin or something
>I know they can't turn down
 
Many ferrets at death's door would still go after a raisin, so I'm not sure
of the validity of this test....
 
>and watch as they eat it as well as drinking .  There has never been any
>vomiting, which I now is cause for serious concern.  Pees are normal,
>however, can be darker in yellow at times which has made me think that
>one can have a urinary track infection
 
The color of urine is simply how much water they have been drinking - if
they are drinking a lot, the body will pass a more dilute (lighter in color
urine), whereas if they haven't had a lot to drink, the body will retain
water, conentrating the urine (and it will be darker in color).  This
process goes on normally, so a large variation in te color of urine is
normally to be expected....
 
>There has been 2 or 3 times where I have noticed a piece of towel from
>there bed in their poops
 
Now this is the best reason to check poops daily!!!
 
Stacy - it is obvious you know your ferrets habits very well.  Don't
interpret every small deviation from normal or stutter as a sign of severe
disease.  Watch for trends, and if you have a serious concern - call your
vet.  But don't let overconcern take time away from enjoying your ferrets.
 
Bruce Williams, dVM
[Posted in FML issue 3191]