Diseases that Could Possibly Harm Your Pet Ferret

There are several diseases that could possibly seriously injure or harm your pet ferret. Some of them may surprise you. Ferret owners, or potential ferret owners, need to be aware of the following information:

Canine Distemper

You have to be careful, as you may unintentionally carry canine distemper to your pet ferret on your shoes, your hands or even on your clothing. Distemper is contagious and it can kill a ferret.

Signs your ferret has distemper include loss of appetite within 6 to 8 days after being exposed. A crusty discharge around the eyes may occur. You might see a rash around the belly or around the chin area. Vomiting, diarrhea and seizures can occur. It is possible that the ferret can go into a coma. Be on the lookout for these symptoms.

You can prevent this from happening by making sure that you have your ferret immunized at 6 to 8 weeks of age, a follow-up shot at age three months and then annual shots thereafter. When you purchase a ferret be sure to ask if it has had any of the shots, how many and the dates. This is important information to keep on hand in case you every have to give away your ferret.

Rabies

Yes, ferrets can get rabies and there are shots to protect them. A ferret should get the vaccine once it is three months old and then yearly after that.

Colds and Flu

Ferrets are susceptible to colds and flue and can catch either of them from a human. If you have more than one ferret, and one gets a cold, keep the sick one separated from the others or they will just spread it back and forth.

Signs your ferret has a cold are similar to human symptoms and include runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing and loss of appetite.

If you ferret has a cold or flu you need to make sure it has plenty of water and gets sufficient rest. If the symptoms last longer than 3 days, take it to the vet.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastrointestinal blockages are the major cause of early death in ferrets. If you notice your ferret is not eating, vomiting, not drinking water of if he has weakness or diarrhea, it is time to call your vet. The vet may have to take x-rays to determine what is causing the blockage. A blockage is usually due to something the ferret ate, or from a hairball.

Cancer

Unfortunately, cancer is something that can happen to ferrets. Cancer is also one of the most common reasons for illness and death in ferrets. Lymphoma is the most common type of cancer and usually doesn't hit a ferret until around age 4. A high percentage, 70-90%, of ferrets will develop some type of cancer. As with humans, the earlier cancer is detected the better. Be sure you take your ferret to the vet for annual check-ups, which should include blood work and x-rays.

These are a few of the diseases that your pet ferret might come down with. As with any pet, your veterinarian should be your go-to guy. Have fun with your ferret, but be aware of the possible health problems and be pro-active.

Sources:

Ferret-world.com

everythingferret.com