One complaint commonly heard among ferret owners is their pet's susceptibility of catching an illness. Ferrets are known to live up to 12 years but most don't make it past 7. The biggest ferret disease that you need to constantly be checking for is cancer. Unfortunately, ferrets do suffer a high-percentage of catching this debilitating disease. It can be a very difficult time for the owner and ferret. Here is a small list of some other diseases and cancers. Notice how many of them have the same symptoms.
Insulinoma: this cancer of the pancreas is very common. Oversleeping, lack of activity and an increase in saliva are just a few of the symptoms.
Adrenal Disease: Is when the adrenal glands get abnormally large. Hair loss is a common symptom.
Lymphosarcoma: Is the cancer of white blood cells. Weight loss and enlarged lymph nodes are common symptoms.
Intestinal Blockage: Is not a disease but a common problem. This occurs when your ferret swallows something it can't digest. Styrofoam, rubber, and small toys are common.
Canine Distemper: Is a fatal disease. Ferrets who catch this terrible illness must be put down. Watch for yellow or green discharge, diarrhea and convulsing.
Heat stroke: Ferrets don't regulate body heat well. Look for loss of appetite and rapid heart rates. Well, to make it easy - your room is too hot.
Common Flu: If you or anyone else has the flu, avoid all contact with your ferret.
Luckily there are some preventive measures owners can take. If you have been a previous owner or you're a new owner, trust your gut. Ferrets have an infectious personality and are generally either sleeping or playing and exploring. You will notice when they're having an "off" day.
If this happens, don't take a chance and have him checked out by a veterinarian right away. Getting yourself educated on the symptoms certainly helps, but practicing responsible ownership is the best. Keep cages hospital clean and change food and water everyday. In addition to annual veterinary checkups and vaccinations, younger ferrets typically need canine distemper shots. Older ferrets will need an annual rabies vaccination.
Here are some additional tips to keep your guy in tiptop shape:
-Watch your ferret's weight. Weigh him every month. Adult males weigh between 2 to 6 pounds and females from 1 to 3 pounds.
-Be on a constant lookout for fleas and mites. Ears should be kept clean.
-Give your ferret a dental checkup. Check for tartar and make sure the gums look pink and healthy.
-Constantly check for lumps and bald spots.
-Malnutrition is a culprit that can give your ferret problems. Ferrets need to be fed a high-protein and high- fat diet usually found in ferret foods and high-quality cat foods.
-Check bowel movement. Ferrets use the restroom everyday. Look for abnormal bowel movement times and stools.
Good mental health can provide good overall health. Ferrets are natural explorers and need to for play and hijinx. You should be able to provide this for a couple of hours everyday. Throwing a couple of toys in the cage is not enough.
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