Insulinomas in Ferrets

Like any aging mammal, ferrets get tumors, cancers and the like. When they reach around age four or later, the odds increase. The average ferret lifespan is between 6-8 years. One of the more common types is a form known as insulinomas. These are tumors from insulin producing cells in the pancreas. In addition to the tumors themselves, they produce excess insulin leading to a type of diabetes.

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Some of the external signs that owners should be on the lookout for are large weight loss, lethargy and lack of coordination especially in the hind legs. Healthy ferrets have a high metabolism. They sleep about 18 hours per day, but when they are awake they tend to be extremely active and exploratory.

Naturally, that will decrease somewhat with age, but even older ferrets are still natural 'seekers' and frequently hungry. That's one of the reasons food should be left out for them to eat at will. When they begin to lose a lot of weight, something is wrong. When they become uninterested in their environment, they are usually ill.

Diagnosing insulinomas is usually straightforward. Blood sugar levels are tested from a sample, with the test often repeated after a short fast of a few hours. Insulin levels will often be tested as well. Of course, an external exam for obvious lumps will be performed at the same time the sample is drawn.

Surgery is the most common form of treatment. Visible tumors are removed to reduce the risk of spreading or enlargement. That can also reduce symptoms associated with the tumors. About two weeks later, blood sugar levels will be re-tested, then again every few months to check for re-occurrence.

For those ferrets who aren't good candidates for surgery, or as an adjunct therapy, there are several drugs that are used to treat insulinomas. Prednisone and diazoxide may be used separately or together. They can help manage symptoms, but don't eliminate the underlying disease, which will usually progress.

Diet can help control both the likelihood of getting insulinomas and the severity of the symptoms. A high, meat-based protein (about 35% of the total) and high fat content (15%) is standard for ferrets. But sweets, often used as treats for healthy animals, are eliminated. Just as in humans, they can lead to a hypoglycemic episode and disorientation.

Properly treated, most animals recover from insulinomas and live out a natural span.

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Ferret Vaccinations Done Right

Like dogs, cats and other mammals, ferrets can acquire dangerous viruses. Sometimes those are fatal. But that result can usually be avoided by a proper vaccination schedule, using the right vaccines.

As in humans, dogs and so forth, vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against a disease organism before it occurs. That makes them present in the blood stream to attack the virus should it be introduced. But, also like human vaccines, they can produce reactions. The proper schedule and vaccines are essential.

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Ferrets are typically vaccinated against rabies and canine distemper.

The first is rare, even rarer in ferrets. But the fear of catching rabies from a bite is so intense that many will choose to get the shot for their ferret anyway. It helps protect the animal, the owner and ward off lawsuits from visitors who might accidentally get their fingers in a ferret's playful mouth.

Canine distemper is much less rare, and it is airborne. So even if your ferret never comes in contact with another animal, the vaccination is important. Canine distemper can be transmitted from one ferret to another (or a dog to a ferret) by a sneeze. It survives in the air fully long enough to infect the animal. There are other transmission routes, as well.

Heading off these possibilities is simple.

Most ferrets will receive their first shot at the ferret farm at around 6-8 weeks after birth. If you've acquired yours from a private owner, however, they may not have done this. Ask. The second shot should be given when the ferret is between 10-12 weeks old, then a third at 16 weeks.

Rabies vaccinations are given yearly. Most states require this and it's a good idea anyway.

Though it costs a bit more for separate vet visits, it's a good idea also to give the vaccinations at least two weeks apart. If the ferret suffers a reaction, it will be possible to identify which one produced it. As with dogs, reactions are not common, but they're easily treated. In fact, many vets will pre-treat a ferret (as they do with dogs) with Benadryl to head off any problem.

To lessen the chances of a reaction, be sure to find and use a ferret-knowledgeable vet. Ensure they use the appropriate vaccines. Don't be intimidated into remaining silent. Ask polite but appropriate questions.

Of course, depending on when you read this, it's possible for the technology to have evolved. Ask your vet about the latest options. Both canine distemper and rabies are fatal if contracted. A vaccination can turn a life-ending disease into a minor expense.

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Finding a Ferret Experienced Vet

How it is even possible to be a veterinarian is something of a mystery. Being a physician that treats humans is challenging enough. They spend years learning anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and a dozen other major subjects. Yet medical doctors have only one species to study. Vets are expected to know a half-dozen or more.

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Many, of course, do specialize to a degree. And, dogs and cats are the most popular pets so these are the animals they most commonly treat. But since the 1980s, ferrets have become increasingly popular domestic companions. Finding a vet knowledgeable about them, especially in a smaller town or city, can be tough.

Yet, they do exist. You can search the Internet these days, naturally. With the growth of something called 'Local Search', it's possible to type in 'ferret vet' and get back listings that are unique to your zipcode. Using something like the Ferret Vet Zip Code Locator at www.ferrethealth.org/vets/ is also a good option.

In fact, finding a vet BEFORE you get a ferret is a very good idea. At some point, you'll need one and you don't want to have to hunt one down during a time of emergency. If you can't locate one you prefer in your area, you might consider holding off on getting one of these unique pets.

Once you find a potential vet, one who at least claims to be able to treat ferrets, you'll want to ask a few probing questions. The interview would be much as you would have in choosing a vet for your cat or dog, or any other.

You'll want to ensure they're familiar with the common diseases and conditions that ferrets tend to acquire or endure. ECE (or Green Slime), ADV (Aleutian Disease Virus), adrenal and a long list of other diseases are commonly found in ferrets. Note, that doesn't mean that ferrets are commonly disease ridden. They suffer no more than any other domesticated species.

You'll want to get an idea of how the vet approaches treatment. They may educate you in home care to save you time and money, and them from being overwhelmed every time the ferret sneezes. Though, sneezing can be a symptom of upper respiratory infection. Your vet should be able to advise you on ear cleaning, proper diet and other ferret-specific issues.

Like cats and dogs, ferrets need vaccinations. Viruses are known to occur among ferrets just as they do among those other common domestic companions. But it's possible, just as with dogs and cats, for ferrets to suffer allergic reactions to vaccines. It's important for your vet to be knowledgeable about this area. Ignorance can accidentally kill a ferret.

Surgery is sometimes called for. Ferrets love to explore and will chew on just about anything. That opens the possibility of swallowing bits of plastic, Styrofoam cups and a wide variety of other common household items. That can lead to intestinal blocking. They also, as they get older, can be prone to certain tumors. Your vet should be qualified and experienced in performing surgery to treat those issues.

Review your options just as you would for any other pet, and don't be shy about asking potentially uncomfortable questions. Better to have answers you don't like, than results you would hate.

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Fleas, Ticks, and Other Ferret Pests

Like cats and dogs, ferrets can be bitten by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other potentially harmful parasites. Ctenocephalides felis, the most common cat flea, is the primary culprit. But since ferrets love to explore burrows, if they're let outside, they can readily come into contact with others.

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Just as with cats and dogs, flea problems are more common at certain seasons of the year. When it's warm and humid fleas and mosquitoes both become more active as they start their breeding cycle. Ticks are more common in the summer, though they can be around earlier.

The presence of fleas on or around your ferret can be identified in a number of ways. Flea droppings are small, dark brown or black specks that may be visible even when the fleas aren't. If you comb your fingers gently through their fur backwards, you can generally spot them quite easily. If the fleas themselves are still around, they'll be even more obvious, since they move.

That motion can be a particular problem since it means fleas can jump off the ferret and onto bedding, furniture, carpets and elsewhere. When that happens you have a wider problem, which we'll tackle below.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in this case. A good flea shampoo designed for ferrets will help keep them clean and itch free. Just as there are for dogs and cats, there are compounds that are useful for more heavy-duty infestations.

Those containing pyrethrins are relatively safe. They act as flea repellents and can kill adult fleas. They come in powdered form, as wipes to brush over the fur, and other forms.

Advantage, the now-familiar dog product made by Bayer, comes in a form that is safe for ferrets. Just apply a drop between the shoulder blades once a month and your pet can be kept flea free the entire season. It spreads out over the surface of the skin under the fur and is perfectly safe for the ferret and your furniture. It kills larvae and adult fleas.

Once the fleas spread to furniture, carpets, bedding and clothing you have a much larger problem. Bedding and clothing can be washed in hot water with a mild bleach. Carpets and couch will need to be treated with a special flea-killing powder that vacuums up.

If you choose not to, fleas will eventually jump onto pets, including the ferret where they are killed by the Advantage or other treatments. But that method of clearing a house can take months.

Ticks represent a special problem. They feed on the blood, then regurgitate part of it back into the bloodstream a few hours or more later, if not detected. When they're spotted, it's important to try to remove them completely. Take a pair of tweezers and grab firmly then pull with a jerk. If you leave part of the head or pincers behind, the area can become infected.

When in doubt, seek the advice of your veterinarian. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, though less commonly than reported in the media, can and do sometimes carry dangerous viruses. Look for signs of illness and seek medical attention when needed.

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