Difficulty Swallowing in FerretsDysphagia in Ferrets Dysphagia is a condition that makes it difficult for the ferret to swallow or move food through the esophagus. This often occurs because of structural problems in the oral cavity or throat, weak and uncoordinated swallowing movements, and/or pain involved in the chewing and swallowing process.
Symptoms and Types The most common sign of dysphagia in ferrets is an inability to (or difficulty when) swallowing, chewing, and moving food through the back of the throat and esophagus into the stomach; some coughing or choking may also occur. Other ferrets vomit food that is only partially swallowed or food. Causes The primary causes for dysphagia or difficulty swallowing usually involveneuromuscular problems that make swallowing, chewing, and moving food difficult. Other causes for dysphagia in ferrets may include rabies, dental problems or diseases that can cause painful chewing, anatomical problems that can cause narrowing of the throat, or central nervous system problems. Diagnosis You will need to give a thorough history of your ferret's health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have led to this condition, such as recent illnesses or injuries. Your veterinarian will order standard tests, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood profile, and a urinalysis. These tests will indicate if your pet has an infectious disease, kidney disease or a muscular injury. During the physical exam it is crucial that your veterinarian distinguish between vomiting and dysphagia. Vomiting involves abdominal contractions while dysphagia does not. Your veterinarian may also draw blood to run laboratory tests for inflammatory disorders of the chewing muscles, like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disease). Treatment Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the dysphagia. If your ferret's issues are due to masses or foreign bodies in the oral cavity, surgical removal may be necessary. Nutritional support, such as an exclusive liquid diet, may also be helpful for those suffering from underlying dental and oral diseases. Living and Management Typically, dysphagia is not life-threatening if treated early and appropriately. However, eating small meals may improve a ferret’s long-term outlook in cases where swallowing problems are moderate. Ear Mites in FerretsEar mites are quite uncommon among ferrets and usually occur when the animal's ears are cleaned too much, thus removing natural protective oils. The Otodectes cynotis mite is the cause for the infection and it acts much like a parasite, seeking out a host -- in this case, the ferret -- and feeding on the tissue debris and secretions from the ear canal lining. Fortunately, this is an infection that is relatively easy to clear up once proper veterinary treatment is sought.
Symptoms and Types The color and odor of a ferret's earwax is the most recognizable sign of an ear mite infection. Normally, a ferret's earwax will be red and odorless. However, those with an infection will have smelly, darker-colored (usually black or gray) earwax . Other signs may also include:
Diagnosis A veterinarian may want to rule out other problems, including fleas, dermatitis, or other bacterial or parasitic infections prior to diagnosing an ear mite infection. However, a veterinarian can easily identify an ear mite infection by conducting a routine ear examination, swabbing a sample of earwax, and looking through a microscope for the organism(s). Treatment Medications used to control ear mites typically include topical products that can be diluted and applied directly. Because the medicine has no effect on the mite eggs, the treatment routine will be repeated every one to two weeks, allowing the mite eggs to reach maturation (which takes approximately three weeks). The tip of the ferret's tail should also be treated because ferrets sleeps with their tail near their ears. Living and Management Most ferrets recover quickly from the infection. However, if there are other dogs, cats or ferrets in the house, they, too, must be treated for ear mites, as the mites can be very contagious. Enlarged Heart in FerretsHypertrophic CardiomyopathyHypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a rare condition that causes a ferret's heart to enlarge or become weak. Often, the animal's heart experiences increasing thickness, especially in the left ventricular. High blood pressure and other side effects can also occur because of this disorder.
Symptoms Many times there are no overt or outward symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in ferrets, at least not initially. There are many ferrets that simply die suddenly and are diagnosed only during a post-mortem autopsy. Some ferrets experience lethargy and weakness, while others suffer from depression or lose their appetite. Upon physical examination, a veterinarian may find a number of clinical signs that may suggest heart-related problems, including:
Diagnosis Many veterinarians will rule out other conditions before diagnosing hyerptrophic cardiomyopathy. These may include inflammation of the respiratory tract, pulmonarydisease, abdominal distension associated with liver disease or hemorrhage, and central nervous system disorders resulting from neurologic disease or rabies, for example. Results of biochemistry panels will often return normal. Also, if your ferret has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an echocardiogram -- an ultrasound of the heart -- will show a thickening of its left ventricular walls in the heart. Atrial enlargement should also be present on the left side, as should some valve abnormalities in the heart. Many times the ferret will have a fast heart rate (or sinus tachycardia); still others may have scarring in the heart. TreatmentTreatment may involve outpatient care and management to assist in various pulmonary symptoms, including supplemental oxygen for the ferret. In the case of arrhythmias, your ferret may be prescribed calcium channel blockers. The exact combination of treatments will depend on the severity of the condition, its underlying cause, and the ferret's symptoms. Consult your veterinarian. Living and ManagementThe ferret's follow-up care, much like its treatment, will depend on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Generally, however, the more severe the case, the more likely the ferret will suffer from complications. Therefore, it is vital you bring it back to the veterinarian if any of the symptoms resurface. Enlarged Lymph Nodes in FerretsLymphadenopathy in Ferrets Lymphadenopathy is a medical term meaning “disease of the lymph nodes.” However, it most frequently associated with swollen or enlarged lymph nodes, which can occur due to infection or cancer. Small masses of tissue that are found throughout the body, lymph nodes play an integral part in the functioning of the ferrets' immune system, acting as filters for the blood, and as sentinels of disease in the issues they drain. Consequently, they are often the first indicators of disease in the tissues.
Symptoms and Types Lymph nodes can usually be detected by touch, but sometimes there will be no clinical symptoms. Swelling can be felt in the area beneath the jaw (submandibular), or around the shoulder. Swelling in one of the legs is also possible as a result of swollen lymph nodes at the back of the leg (popliteal), or near the joint of the leg (axillary – correlating with the armpit). Swollen nodes in the area near the groin(inguinal) may make defecation difficult for your ferret. Your ferret may also lose its appetite due to nausea and have an urge to regurgitate when it does eat, or it may display a general malaise as its body fights off the infection. If your ferret has severely enlarged lymph nodes it may have trouble eating, or have difficulty with breathing. CausesTumor
. Treatment Because of the many disease processes and specific agents that can cause lymphadenopathy, treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Ferrets withlymphoma, for example, may be treated through a combination of chemotherapy and corticosteroids. Excessive Weight in FerretsObesity in Ferrets Obesity is defined as the accumulation of an excessive amount of BODY FAT to the extent that normal bodily movements and activities are compromised. Obesity may increase a ferret’s odds of developing other health problems, such as metabolic disorders, and has become an extremely common and often debilitating problem in pet ferrets.
Symptoms Obesity is defined as excess amounts of BODY FAT relative to body size; this is also the primary symptom. Other secondary symptoms may include sluggishness, weakness in the rear limbs, and an inability or overall unwillingness to play or exercise. Causes Pet ferrets usually become OBESE due to a combination of insufficient physical activity and an increased intake of calories. For example, overeating may occur if owners leave food out CONTINUOUSLY or if ferrets are given too many sugary treats (such as raisins). The fact that most pet ferrets are housed in cages that allow minimal exercise also often leads to obesity. Diagnosis There are no specific medical tests that need to be done in order to diagnose obesity other than simply measuring WEIGHT and body fat. Certain areas of the body should be measured for excess fat, such as the abdominal area. A one to five scale can be used to measure body fat: a 1 being “cachetic” (more than 20 percent underweight) and a 5 (more than 40 percent overweight) “obese.” Note that when diagnosing obesity, it is important to differentiate from other possible causes of weight gain such as pregnancy or seasonal weight gain. (Most ferrets gain weight and develop a thicker coat of hair in the fall, which they lose again in spring.) Treatment Treatment for obesity is a long-term project that requires serious lifestyle and dietary changes. All sweet-tasting or high-fat treats and dietary supplements should be eliminated from the ferret’s diet immediately. If possible, obese ferrets should be let out of their cages to exercise during the day. Prevention Obesity is a preventable disease. Limit the animal’s intake of sweet treats, and if possible, encourage exercise outside of the cage. Ferrets have a higher protein and fat requirement than cats and dogs. For general maintenance of diet in pet ferrets, a high-quality kitten or ferret chow with “animal protein” listed as the first ingredient is recommended. If you are not sure which brands are the best, ask your veterinarian for some recommendations. Flea Infestation in FerretsFleas are small, usually dark-colored, wingless insects that affect many different animals, including ferrets. Once it attaches itself to the ferret's skin, it will bite the animal and feed of its blood, causing skin irritations and even anemia. While most ferrets are not overly sensitive to fleas, some may develop allergies. Fleas also reproduce quite quickly, laying batches of eggs on the host, which can then spread to the ferret's habitat or anything it touches. To prevent a flea outbreak in your home or a flea infestation in your ferret, bring the animal to your veterinarian at the first sign of fleas.
Symptoms Common symptoms associated with fleas include biting, chewing, scratching or licking the infected area. The ferret will do this in an attempt to dislodge the pesky critters from its body. Another good indicator of fleas is “flea dirt,” or dried blood left behind on the ferret's skin by feeding fleas. Some ferrets develop skin lesions (or papules) that resemble acne, while others develop scabs or hair loss. Anemia is also a problem for a ferret with fleas, especially when there are a lot of fleas on the animal, constantly draining it of blood. Moreover, a ferret may develop a secondary infection if it frequently bites, chews or scratches at an area and breaks the skin. This can lead to a variety of conditions, including, in severe cases,tachycardia -- an abnormally rapid heart rhythm. Causes There are many different flea species, however, those affecting ferrets will depend on the source of the fleas. For instance, ferrets which spend time outdoors may contract the parasite from wild animals, while domestic ferrets will usually contract them from cats (the Ctenocephalides felis species) or from dogs (the Ctenocephalides canisspecies). There is also a flea species in the southwestern United States which can spread a form of the bubonic plague. Diagnosis Before diagnosing flea infestation, a veterinarian will first rule out other causes for anemia, biting, skin irritations or hair loss. These may include adrenal disease or infestation with mites or other parasitic organisms. But a veterinarian will typically spot fleas or “flea dirt” through a physical examination. Treatment Eradicating fleas can be difficult. Currently, the best course of action is bathing the ferret with a flea shampoo. These baths should be done once a week for up to several months, or until there is no sign of adult fleas on your ferret. Topical powders, sprays and creams have also been developed to CONTROL FLEA infestation in ferrets; consult your veterinarian as to what best suits your ferret's situation. If your ferret is suffering from skin irritation or inflammation, a veterinarian may prescribe corticosteroid or anti-inflammatory medication. Living and Management Typically, flea-control products are necessary to help control and eliminate the flea population from your home. In addition, you should clean and disinfect your ferret's habitat or area, including its cage, bedding or anything it might have come in contact with. It is easier to get rid of fleas in northern or colder climates, as the frost keeps the PARASITES away. Ferret owners in temperate climates, meanwhile, must use flea-control products year-round There are so many to look out for i could sit here all day. So please take the time to do your research before getting a ferret. |
A Few Ferret PoemsA Day And A Life With Fuzzies The sun's not up - what's that sound? It's surely not time to rise. I glance across the bedroom And I find five* ferret eyes."C'mon, mom, please let us out! There's much fun to be had! We won't disturb you! Won't make much noise! We surely won't be bad!" I stumble 'cross the room And release them from their cell Oh no, no - what have I done? It's early morning hell! They thrash about They dook and hiss across my sleeping spot Oh man it surely seems That sleeping in I'm not! Then one by one they jump From the bed onto the floor Seconds flat they've made it Right out the bedroom door "Ahh" I think to myself As I settle back in bed But as I drift off Eddy's back And he's jumped upon my head SCRITCH SCRITCH SCRITCH This horrible sound comes from the other room Oh not the aluminum ferret tube! Please release me from this doom! I crawl out of bed and open up A container full of snacks Surely giving them some special treat Will keep them from attack But minutes later sugar charged weasels Come flying into bed Oh geez why didn't I give them Ferretone instead? Sidewards jerking to and fro They dance about my chest Oh please, my little furry boys, Just let your mother rest! Somehow I managed to find some sleep Another hour in the sack Now late for work I quickly Throw some clothes upon my back. Gathering ferrets one by one The time just ticks away I don't think they want their mom To go to work today. Heading home tired from work I'm thinking 'bout the boys Stop by the store and sink Another $50 on food and toys. Thus is life with ferrets Those little hyper balls of love But I would never change it Not for all the stars above. Author Unknown A Trip Across The Sea If I had to pick but one thing To take across the sea I think I'd pick a ferret To go along with meA ferret is more precious Than any other thing They can make you feel complete And get your soul to sing And when that ferret and I Set sail across that sea We'll fear no squall nor storm Together strong we'll be A ferret is more grounding Than an anchor or a rope He can make you safe, secure And fill your heart with hope When I've crossed that sprawling sea And stepped out on new land I will not be a stranger there I'll have my ferret in hand A ferret is more rewarding Than the treasures of that sea It can give you wealth through love Your spirit rich and free If I had to pick but one thing To take across the sea I know I'd pick a Ferret To go along with me Across the sea ELEGY Author: Rebecca My sweet little Dooks, laughing eyed sprite, I miss you, oh I miss you so tonight. Warm fuzzy ball curled up tight inside my shirt Next to my hip, yawn and stretch, then jump, hop, and skip, Roll and twist and burrow amidst the upset laundry, smiling wide, ferret-y invitation to joy. Gung ho, never coy, otter-swimming the summer grass, scattering snow in great excited leaps, snorting submarine, no heap of leaves too tall nor puddle deep for your 3” height, no rainy day not brightened by your shining light.Dearest thing, momma’s little girl, giggly-chuckly laughtrack, understudy flying squirrel, house mover, cracker thief, If only I could have you back, before grief, healthy once again? But all the king’s men couldn’t make you whole; in the end your tiny heart could not keep pace with your outsized soul, and I had to let you go. I know you know, even though there has to be this time apart, I live with tickle-whiskered elfin face and fairy feet still dancing in my heart. FERRET POEM Author: RebeccaWhy Ferrets?I'm often asked, why ferrets? To all the people who've ever asked me that, this is my reply: It's the dook, The war dance, And the playful nibbles. It's the mess, Digging the litter, And spreading the kibble. It's the naps, The sleepy face, And the quiet moments together. It's chasing a ball, Ferret bowling, And playing outside in all kinds of weather. I love ferrets in so many ways, there is no way to answer the question 'why ferrets?' because when you ask me that, it's clear that you've never met my babies. |