Health Issues For Black Ferrets


Posted in: Ferret Health     

You don’t need a medical degree for ferrets, but as a pet owner, you must be well acquainted on the dangers underlying your black ferret’s medical condition. There are some illnesses unique only to black ferrets and yet other which are also occurring in other members of kingdom Animalia. If you are a concerned owner of a black ferret, here is a guide that can help you become well-versed on the different pathological states that could happen to your black ferret.

Rabies
Ferrets get paralyzed in the hind leg when they have rabies, and just like any other mammal, it’s something that humans must watch out for especially if they get bitten by the ferret. But there are particular chemicals that when placed on the ferret will not allow them to secrete the rabies virus from their saliva, but this is also something that needs to be done with the ferret is still a kit.

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Neural Tube Defects
The neural defect is a bit of an endemic condition which involves a deformed ferret skull that can also affect the tissue of the brain and the spinal column. Retardation imminent, there are also growth defects to ferrets which have this condition and they manifest as early as its birth. The loss of neural tissue may sometimes even be highly graphic and unpleasant.

Helicobacter Mustilae and Gastric Ulcers
Old ferrets (four years and up) are prone to this condition. It is commonly known in human terms as gastric ulcers. Recently discovered, it has taken the lives of many ferrets and posed as one of the dangers that pet owners must consider when having a pet ferret. Peptic ulcers may also result after long term untreated state.

Megaesophagus
The esophagus of the ferrets dilate and may sometimes cause bronchopneumonia in some cases. Like dogs and cats who have it, ferrets who have megaesophagus are also at high risk of acquiring the candido infection.

Enteritis and Intestinal Parasites
Even ferrets run the risk of having parasites roam in their system, and this is exactly what happens when they get inflicted with enteritis, particularly of the eosinophilic variety. This diseases causes male ferrets of 1 year or younger to waste away. It is also closely linked to other diseases of ferrets, though there is really no tangible evidence of them.

Canine Distemper
Lesions and a deadly virus characterize canine distemper. Any ferret afflicted with this illness is sure to die and perish miserably. Treatment is really not an option since the only available things in the market today for this would be the vaccination which is more of a preventive measure. The thing with canine distemper is that it causes lesions and weakens your ferret until it dies.

Colic
Irregular bowel movements may also harm your pet ferret. Only few in a ferret colony get this kind of disease but their discharges often reeks of blood and mucus. Inside the body the epithelial tissues get thicker, altering the whole ferret body system completely.

Dental Disease
Like humans, the black ferrets’ dentures are exposed and are at risk for some diseases. The canine tips, for one, are most highly at risk since it is the most exposed and most used. Malformations in the teeth shape, discoloration of the entire set of teeth and broken teeth are just some of the examples.

Tips For Handling Ferret Bites


Posted in: Ferret Health     

Ferrets bite hard. That’s not an option, but it’s a sad risk ferret owners have to consider. It can happen to anybody at anytime with a nearby ferret. But there’s no need to panic. Most bites are not as harmful but still, precautionary measures must be taken properly.

A Quick Look on Ferret’s Teeth Structure

Ferrets’ teeth are in many ways synonymous to human teeth. But the lethal part in the ferret’s dentures would have to be the tip of their canines. That is the sharp part that some owners decide to cut off at the outset of its growth to avoid ferret bites from plaguing the whole ferret experience.

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The good thing is that ferrets’ canine tips can naturally break off from excessive biting of objects. Giving them hard toys they can chew, for example, can help eliminate the threat of its sharp canines.

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 1: Assess the extent of the damage. If bitten, the very first thing to do would be to assess the depth of the bite. If it is just a minor scratch, clean the wounds but do not make any dismissive presumptions. In the case where you are confronted with a major bite, you need to have it checked immediately.

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 2: Clean the wound immediately with your first aid kit. Cover it afterwards. Having a first aid kit would be very beneficial for both you and your pet ferret. Wash with soap and water, clean it with peroxide, cover it with gauze and if all else fails proceed to the next step. Note the color of the wound and make sure that the blood flows for a considerable amount of time before cleaning it up.

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 3: Go to the nearest doctor. Seeking the help of a medical professional will help you have the objective assessment of the wound. It will also ensure that you did not acquire any infections from the ferret bite.

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 4: Have the ferret checked by the veterinarian. It is not just you who needs to be checked but you also need the help of your veterinarian to have your ferret checked. You also have to have the dentures of your ferret checked to see if there are any remnants of skin or anything unusual that came from the bite. This is to ensure that both your health and the ferret’s health remain uncompromised.

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 5: In the case where one ferret bites another, have them both checked and keep them in separate cages until the tension dissipates. In the case of ferret to ferret bites, you will have to have both of them checked with a veterinarian. If at all possible, analyze the causes of the hostile behavior. Eventually, you may have to combine them in a single place again, but make sure that this is done with utmost care and in a gradual manner.

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 6: Furnish your first aid kit immediately for both humans and ferrets. Your ferrets must also have their own first aid kit, furnished with pretty much the same thing that the human first aid kit has except that all the objects are downsized to suit your furry creatures.

Exert caution in treating wounds of your ferrets, otherwise they will see it as an attack and bite you as you treat it.

Common Ferret Diseases and Conditions


Posted in: Ferret Health     

Adrenal Disease

One of the most common conditions to occur in ferrets is adrenal disease. Growths or enlargement of the adrenal gland typically requires surgery. External signs are a loss of hair, usually starting at the tail and working forward. Sometimes the back of the neck loses hair. In some cases, the vulva of females becomes enlarged. Left untreated, it is fatal. Prospects for recovery when caught early are very good, though.


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ADV

Aleutian Disease Virus is a parvovirus that can infect ferrets and their cousin species, such as minks. It produces excessive and rapid weight loss. There's no cure and it can be fatal, though in many cases it produces symptoms that are treatable.

Since it can be transmitted through urine and feces, it's possible for one ferret who is a carrier but not affected to infect others. Tests can show whether an animal has the virus and it's helpful to have one done before bringing a new ferret into an existing 'family'. CEP or CIEP (Counter Immune ElectroPhoresis) is the most common test.

ECE

Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis, also known as Green Slime Disease, is an inflammation of the mucous membranes. It produces green, slimy, foul smelling feces during diarrhea (hence the name). Yes, all feces smell, but ferrets can get greenish diarrhea for a number of reasons. These are distinctive. The causes are not entirely understood.

It may last only a week or two and go away untreated. But in about 20% of cases it can become more serious, leading to wasting away. In either case, owners should seek treatment as early as possible. Only known for a little over 10 years, it's still under intensive research. Treatments vary, such as the use of slippery elm bark powder, but should be applied by a vet.

Ear Problems

Keeping your ferret's ears clean is important, but simple. Wax can build up, or they can get ear mites and other conditions.

A weak solution of ear cleaner helps loosen wax, then (like a dog) they will shake their heads vigorously expelling the wax.

Treating ear mites requires only a little ear cleaner, then Tresaderm.

The procedure should be repeated every day for at least a week. Careful examination with a flashlight and magnifying glass can help reveal any substance that might still be in the ear. A ferret's ear canal is L-shaped, so piercing the ear drum isn't a common problem. But they are delicate, so take care.

Cancers

Older ferrets, around 4 years or more (like other aging mammals) are prone to develop tumors and other cancers. Some of these are treatable by surgery, others eventually take the life of the ferret. But ferrets are no more prone to cancer at a young age than a dog, cat or human.

Still, since they are very curious and exploratory, it's helpful to ensure they don't come into contact with common household items that can encourage cancers. Benzene and other organic solvents are known to increase the risk. Be sure to ferret-proof your house as a precaution.

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Caring For Your Ferret


Posted in: Ferret Health     

Ferrets require more care than cats or dogs. Though they sleep about 18 hours per day, when they're awake they're very active. They're also extremely curious and love to explore. Unless they're always caged, that makes them somewhat accident prone. But, if they're always caged, they may not get the proper stimulus and exercise, representing the other side of the dilemma.


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Beyond basic safety, there are regular actions that any caring ferret owner will want to take to ensure their companion is kept in optimal mental and physical health. Ferrets live on average between 6-8 years and much of that time they will need attention and checkups.

The most basic care starts with a vet visit for a general exam and vaccinations. Rabies and canine distemper are the two most common diseases vaccines prevent, but ask your vet about others that may be a concern in your area. At the same time, the vet will check for lumps (evidence of possible insulinomas and other tumors), dental issues, possible adrenal problems and other ferret-specific conditions.

Ferrets have abilities that can easily lead them into trouble. They can find their way into spaces that even a small cat wouldn't consider going. Ferret-proofing the house against ingress behind the stove, getting inside the couch, falling off the second floor landing and other areas is essential.

Bathing twice a year is a good idea, both to reduce odors and keep the skin healthy. But beware of removing essential oils. Only use a shampoo designed for ferrets. Regularly look for any skin lesions or sores. Ferrets have sharp claws and, like dogs, can produce hot spots that lead to pain and possible infection.

Ear cleaning should be performed at least once per month. Like dogs, ferrets can easily build up wax that leads to yeast and other problems. A simple ear cleaning solution injected with a plastic syringe, followed by gentle massage for about 20 seconds, will do the trick. The ferret will shake his or her head vigorously and expel the softened wax. Careful follow up with a Q-tip is a good idea.

Regular examination of both ends of your ferret may not be pleasant, but it's best for your pet.

They often burrow into litter box material that, if not the proper kind (and sometimes even then), can cause nasal blockage. That can lead to upper respiratory problems, irritation of the membranes or other conditions.

Also, make sure they have no swelling of the vulva (evidence of disease) or a prolapsed rectum. The latter can result from inadequate water in the diet or a bacterial infection that results in straining. Treatment with an antibiotic, such as Clavamox or Baytril may be called for.

Regular activity outside the cage helps keep your ferret mentally stimulated and works all those muscles that some cages don't allow. Take care they don't get outside off a leash, though, unless the area is enclosed and free of holes. Ferrets naturally seek out burrows and small spaces to explore. But they are much better at getting in than getting out.

They also don't tolerate high heat or extreme cold well. Above 80

Fleas, Ticks, and Other Ferret Pests

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