University
Commons Animal Clinic
1827 Wehrli
Road , Naperville, IL 60565. Phone: 630-544-3333
Ferrets
as pets
Ferrets make wonderful pets because of their engaging
personalities, playful activity and fastidious nature. They are never boring
and can entertain you for hours. They enjoy people's company and will follow
their owner. Ferrets have somewhat strong odor, which you have to live
with.
Ferrets can be easily trained to use the litter box
because they tend to habitually urinate and defecate in the same places. Provide a low-sided litter box for easy
entry and exit.
Ferrets get along with other ferrets, dogs and cats. They are naturally inquisitive and can
squeeze through very small places. It is important to “ferret-proof” your house
before bringing your pet home. Make sure that all windows that may have been
opened have secure screens. Check the openings around plumbing, heating and air
condition ducts or pipes. Ferrets
are so small and silent that you will usually not hear them approach. They frequently get in dangerous situations
(such as sneaking into the drier or end up in the washing machine with clothes
they were sleeping under). Ferrets like to chew on soft rubber (Erasers, toys,
tennis shoes) and can swallow pieces that might obstruct their intestines.
Commercial dry kitten food or ferret food is used for
ferrets. They usually do not require vitamin/mineral supplement. Fresh, clean
water should be available at all times.
Ferrets do not require large space and a relatively
small cage will satisfy them. Newspaper or wood shavings can be used on the
bottom of the enclosure. Places a cloth
or a towel in the cage as ferrets like tunneling and sleep under towels.
Nails grow fast and should be trimmed periodically.
Ferrets do get sick. Some of the common health
problems are:
Canine Distemper
Ferrets are highly susceptible to canine distemper.
The initial signs of the disease include anorexia and a thick mucus and pussy
discharge from the eyes and nostrils. A rash commonly appears under the chin
and in the groin area. The footpads become greatly thickened. This disease is fatal. The disease can be
prevented by vaccination, which should start at 6-8 weeks of age. Yearly
boosters are recommended thereafter.
Adrenal gland disease
This is a common disease in ferrets, which consists
in adrenal gland tumor and hormone hypersecretion. Signs include generalized
hair loss, pruritus and vulvar enlargement. The treatment is surgical removal
of the tumor.
Posterior paresis
Rare leg weakness and immobility is common in
sick ferrets and represent non specific general weakness.
Green feces disease
This is a serious and fatal disease characterized by
green or black diarrhea, vomiting and progressive wasting. It is more common in
young stressed ferrets and is caused by a bacteria related stomach ulcer.
Antibiotic treatment is necessary and in hospital intensive care is often
needed.
Dental disease
Dental
disease is common in ferrets. Teeth and gum disease is more common in older
ferrets. Fractured teeth can be seen at any age.
Intestinal obstruction
Young
ferrets are prone to ingesting rubber or plastic objects that cause intestinal
obstruction. Signs include lethargy, anorexia and diarrhea. The condition
requires surgery.
Heat cycle related anemia
Unspayed female ferrets in
sustained sexual heat may develop bone marrow suppression and a consequent
fatal anemia. The vast majority of ferrets is sexually altered and is not in
danger.
Rabies
Ferrets are susceptible to
rabies and capable of transmitting the virus. Vaccination should be done on a
yearly basis.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma (cancer of the
blood cells) is a fatal disease characterized by anorexia, weight loss,
lethargy and palpable tumors. Internal organs, lymph nodes and intestines are
commonly involved. The disease can affect ferrets at any age and is incurable.
Influenza
Ferrets are susceptible to
infections with several strains of human influenza (“flu”) virus. They can
contract the disease from the owner. Signs of illness include listlessness,
fever, lack of appetite, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other upper respiratory
signs. Ferrets usually recover from influenza within several days. Bacterial infections may complicate the
viral infection.
Parasites
Most of the external
parasites of domestic dogs and cats (flea, mange mites, ear mites, ring worms etc)
can cause disease in ferrets. Protozoan parasites (Giardia, Toxoplasma,
Coccidia) can cause internal disease among ferrets. Periodic fecal (stool) examinations should be performed by your
veterinarian to check for such parasites.
Heartworm Disease
Ferrets are susceptible to
heartworm disease, a mosquito-transmitted illness seen primarily in dogs.
Ferrets housed outdoors are at greater risk.
Urinary Stones
Urinary stones, either
within the bladder or urethra, may cause serious problems in ferrets. Signs of
urinary stones include blood in the urine, inability to urinate, a swollen and
painful abdomen, vomiting, listlessness and no appetite. Surgery is usually necessary.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a
disease of the heart muscle, which result in heart failure. The cause for this
condition is unknown. Signs include inappetence, fatigue, and increased periods
of sleep, intolerance to exercise, fainting and shortness of breath.
Insulinoma
Insulin-secreting
tumors are common cause persistent low blood sugar levels. Signs of the
disease include weakness, depression, fainting spells, changes in behavior and
convulsions.
Cataract
Cataracts are seen in
ferrets (young and old). Their
significance and genetic predisposition are not fully understood.
It is very important to
provide your ferret with the needed veterinary care. A thorough initial
examination is necessary for newly acquired ferrets. The veterinarian will
start vaccinations for Rabies and distemper and discuss specific issues of
husbandry regarding your ferret. A stool examination should also be done. Ferrets
should have a yearly physical examination and vaccinations. Ferrets older then
three years should be seen twice a year and also have x-rays and a blood
test once a year.