new ferret

[MM]

Well, thanks to jonevo's kind offer and an understanding Mrs MM, i hope to take delivery of my first ferret tomorrow. I think it must be the one animal ive never had. I know some of you will moan about not knowing about them and taking care of them, but trust me, if i can keep two kids alive for over ten years, then a long mouse aint going to be a problem.

I need to start reading up on things like diet throughout the different seasons, and training methods (if there is such a thing). Ordered some purse nets from t'interweb shop and going to make a nice carry box this weekend. The on thing that bothers me, is all the biting . I might have to invest in some thick gloves. That might sound a bit gay of me, but i do like to moisturise (see previous threads ). As soon as the spring arrives, ill knock together a bigger house for it, with some runs and play stuff. The kids are keen as owt to play with it. Should i let them handle it as often as they like, or do they need to be kept a bit wild? Ive lots of work for it to do on one of my shoots (no, not the moles ) and will be keeping it busy.

Stand by for updates

[TJ91]

keep handling it all the time

dont wear gloves, they need to get use to the feel of your skin, gloves are clumbersome and are more likely to hurt the ferret while wearing them

 

when you walk up to the hutch/cage to feed it on a morn/evening whenever always whistle and 'tut'

it will get used to the sound you make and associate it with food and freshwater, then when out ferreting you can call it back from a lay up (sometimes)

 

food isnt a hard task

fresh meat and abit of dried food, once a day, amount depends on size of ferret and its appetite

some throw a rabbit in and leave it with that for a few days...not a good idea

chuck a half skinned rabbit in on a night and throw away whatevers left in the morning

an egg or abit of milk very rarely and only in winter just to keep it fatty and warm

 

make sure they it has dry bedding all the time, if the bedding is a tiny bit damp the ferret will suffer, shredded paper is good and sawdust on the floor

 

 

i am sure ther is plenty more that i havent mentioned

 

good luck!

Edited December 15, 2010 by TJ91

[MM]

cool mate, any more info as its all appreciated. Cheers.

[TJ91]

did i mention, clean them out regularly, they do honk abit, especially in the summer

oh and double check you have got every scrap of meat out when you have fed them meat, they tend to drag meat into there bedding area and eat it ther, if you leave a tiny bit, you will soon have a nasty smell and maggots

[Hezbear]

I did a post on sportshooter.co.uk about ferret keeping

 

 

If you decide to get ferrets make sure you start off with a 4ft long hutch at the minimum as they are active little critters. They will be fine by themselves but prefer company, so i would start off with 2 of the same sex, hobs (males) or jills (females). They should be handled everyday to keep them calm as they could end up getting nippy.

 

For the floor of the hutch i use sawdust and change it every 2 days, for there bedding i use shredded paper which gets cleaned out at the same time as the saw dust as ferrets hoard there left over food for later but end up forgetting about it.

I feed mine on rabbits, birds (shot with the air rifle), the odd fish out the river (gutted so i'm sure there is no hooks in), dry cat food and ferret food, tinned cat and dog food. I feed mine once a day or if it's a full rabbit i leave it in for 2 days unless it gets fly blown then it gets thrown out.

 

Jills come in to heat when the days start getting longer, beginning of spring. You will notice the vulva start swelling and the hobs testicles start swelling. The hob grabs the jill by the scruff of her neck and pulls her about (usually into the bedding area) although it looks rough it's the ferrets way of doing things. I usually put the hob in with the jill in the morning and leave them till the next day but i will check on them a couple of times during the day to make sure he hasn't ripped her neck. The gestation period is roughly 42 days, she will pull the fur off her belly and make her nest (this should not be touched). The jills normally have a average litter of between 6 - 9 kits, although first time mothers may have less. The jill should be left alone as much as possible when she has her kitts for the first few weeks. After 3 weeks the kitts will start to move around and at 4 weeks there eyes open. The kitts will start trying to eat meat when there eyes open although i've had kits at 3 1/2 weeks lapping the gravy off the tinned dog and cat food.

 

I use my ferrets to bolt rabbits to the lurchers, terriers and nets during the colder months. If you are going to use them for rabbits always make sure you have a collar and locator on them in case they kill to ground so you can locate them and dig down to the ferret and rabbit. I also use my jills and dogs for rats as the hobs tend to be on the big side for rats although where a hob can go few rats will try to stand agaainst him. Ratting with ferrets should also be carried out when it's cold as a female rat with young will defend it's kids till the end.

 

Ferrets can suffer from various health diseases

Abscesses, especially around the mouth, can occur due to sharp bones in a poor diet. Abscesses elsewhere may be caused by fighting. Treatment usually involves lancing and cleaning the abscess under anaesthesia, followed by antibiotics. Recovery is usually uneventful.

Enteritis

 

Enteritis can be caused by a variety of bacteria including E. coli, Campylobacter and Clostridium. Signs may include vomiting and diarrhoea. If severe, life-threatening dehydration can occur rapidly. Animals require plenty of fluids, sometimes by intravenous injection, and antibiotic therapy. Very young ferrets are most susceptible and may not survive unless treated in time.

 

Botulism

 

The feeding of wild prey items, especially bird carcases, may cause intoxication by the botulism toxin. This can be avoided by feeding a refined tinned or pellet food.

Dental

 

The increasing reliance on complete diets, especially tinned foods, and treats has led to an increase in dental disease in ferrets. Yearly check-ups with your local vet should include an oral examination to check for dental problems.

 

Descaling under general anaesthesia may be necessary to prevent tooth loss. It might be possible to clean your ferret's teeth, just like dogs and cats, but make sure you use a dedicated animal toothpaste - human toothpastes foam up and animals do not like it!

 

Feeding a pellet ration and providing chews may help reduce this problem. Feeding raw chicken with the bone in also helps in keeping your ferret teeth clean and strong, use the chicken wings, neck and stripped carcass.

 

Nutritional

 

Osteodystrophy (brittle bones)

 

Used to be more common when ferrets were fed an all meat diet that was low in calcium. Young growing ferrets, often entire litters, were most commonly affected. Individuals are unable to stand and the front limbs bow and become distorted. Even with dietary correction and calcium supplementation, bone deformities remain. Fortunately, these problems seem to be much rarer with the advent of complete diets.

 

Skin

 

Fleas, Ticks and Mites

 

Ferrets may succumb to fleas, ticks and mites just like dogs and cats. If your ferret is part of a multi-pet (dog and cat) house-hold then you should ask you vet about routine flea treatment. While none of the prescription medications are licensed for ferrets, some appear to be safe if used on an appropriate 'dose - per per kg' basis. Again, your local vet can give you more detailed advice on the most appropriate flea treatment for your ferret.

 

Ringworm

 

This uncommon fungal disease of ferrets is probably more commonly associated with cats, dogs and people. Diagnosis is by hair culture and treatment using griseofulvin is similar to that used for cats.

 

Viral

 

Canine Distemper

 

Ferrets are highly susceptible to canine distemper virus which is present in the UK and primarily affects dogs. The virus causes eye and nasal discharges, pyrexia, and anorexia, followed by a rash under the chin and in the groin region. Terminally, the infected ferret develops nervous signs, convulsions and always die. This virus is 100% fatal in ferrets and there is no cure. Pet dogs are routinely vaccinated against canine distemper. Unfortunately, there are no such vaccines currently licensed for use in ferrets in the UK. Further details on the pros and cons of vaccinating your ferret should be discussed with your local veterinary surgeon.

 

Rabies

 

Ferrets, like all mammals, are susceptible to rabies. Fortunately rabies is not currently in the UK but it is sporadically reported throughout the rest of Europe. There is no cure and suspect animals are put to sleep because of the dangers of human infection. Prevention is possible by vaccination. Aleutian Disease (a form of parvo virus) This is a serious viral disease of mink and can cause persistent infection in ferrets. The disease is immune-mediated and signs can be variable and include dark stools, recurrent fevers, weight loss, behavioural changes, weakness and even death. There is no cure and no available vaccine, but clinically this disease is extremely rare in pet ferrets. Note:Ferrets cannot contract dog parvo. The only parvo virus they can catch is Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV), for which you can have your ferret tested.

 

Other

 

Ferret Skin Tumors, Cysts, Lumps And Abscesses

 

As your ferret ages, you are likely to notice assorted lumps and scabs in or under the skin. When you have more than one ferret and scabs are present around the neck, it is often the result of the pets rough housing. When this is not the cause, these scabs may indicate an ear infection and overgrown toenails. Boredom also increases grooming and scratching which can lead to irritated areas. Also, with aging, the skin does not heal as quickly as it once did.

 

Cysts

 

Cysts arise when natural glandular secretions become trapped within a skin gland. This is often a sebaceous gland that normally produces skin oils. It can also be one of the many musk glands that surround the ferret’s rear end. Even descented ferrets have lots of these glands. They are the reason descented ferrets still have a musky odor. When the duct of a gland becomes occluded, normally liquid secretions harden and become firm waxy material trapped in the gland. Cysts are always oval in shape and move with the skin. With time they develop a fibrous capsule. They usually get no larger than a pea. Cysts may rupture, drain, and then reform. They have the same color as the surrounding skin, which helps distinguish them from abscesses. Squeezing them causes no pain. Sterile abscesses resulting from vaccinations can easily be confused with cysts. Such abscesses are usually elongated and slightly below the skin rather than in it. Unless they are located in a sensitive spot, cysts do not need to be removed. However, your veterinarian may suggest it be removed or biopsied (sample of tissue sent to a pathologist) because some early tumors mimic cysts so much that only a pathologist can differentiate them. In general, tumors are more flattened than cysts.

 

Abscesses

 

An abscess is an infection or area of inflamed tissue that the body has walled off to keep it from spreading. All abscesses begin as ill-defined areas of inflammation which is hot to the touch and painful. The body rushes defender white blood cells to this area giving it distinct boundaries. As these defender cells break down they form the pus one associates with an abscess. Blood vessels dilate in the area of an abscess giving it additional heat. Irritated nerve endings in the abscess area are responsible for the pain. Many abscesses begin as bacterial infections of the skin produced by a bite or penetration of a sharp object. Once a discrete abscess has formed, it almost never results in bacterial blood poisoning or septicemia. Others occur due to the presence of a foreign substance such as a thorn. Abscesses often disappear without giving antibiotics when the capsule holding the pus is opened and cleansed of dead tissue and debris. Abscesses of the gums of ferrets are usually associated with an infected tooth. The two teeth most commonly affected in older ferrets are the fangs (canine teeth) and upper molars. Tooth abscesses often involve the bone of the jaw and face in addition to the skin. Molar tooth abscesses almost always form a drain point just below the proximal eye. If your ferret receives a deep contaminated puncture wound, such as being bitten by another pet, it is wise to put the pet on a three day course of ammoxicillin (10mg/lb twice a day) or cephalexin (15mg/lb twice a day) to prevent abscess formation. Putting your pet on medication to prevent a possible abscess or infection is called prophylactic medication.

 

Other Skin Lumps

 

The bodies of ferrets as well as all other mammals have lymph nodes placed at strategic points on the body just under the skin. These lymph nodes enlarge (lymphadenopathy) in response to infections as well as lymphatic tumors. Ferrets are more susceptible to tumors of these glands called lymphosarcomas. The tumor itself is made up of millions upon millions of cancerous lymphocytes – one of the white blood cells. Common locations for these to form are at the anterior point of the shoulder (prescapular L.N.) under the chin (submaxillary L.N.), in the groin (inguinal L.N.) and to the rear of the knee (popliteal L.N.). The nodes are rooted in deeper tissues so they do not move freely. They are firm and painless and often more than one node is enlarged.

 

Skin Cancers

 

These tumors are rather common in old ferrets. There are many many kinds, each with their own name, depending on the type of cell that became cancerous. Some common ones are fibromas and fibrosarcomas (tumors of the connective tissue), adenomas and adenocarcinomas (tumors of skin glands), mast cell tumors, hemangiomas (tumors of blood vessels), basal cell tumors. Many of these tumors can be successfully removed surgically. The earlier they are removed the better. When they are excised (removed), a ring of the surrounding skin and subcutaneous tissue equal to one or two diameters of the tumor should be removed to increase the likelihood that the tumor will not regrow. This can be difficult or impossible on limbs, the head, or adjacent to eyes or the mouth. Luckily, ferrets have a lot of extra skin over their bodies, which helps me close these incisions. Once removed, a sample of the tumor can be sent to a pathologist. The pathologist’s report will give you clues as to whether the tumor is likely to have spread to other areas of the body.

 

Hind-Limb Weakness

 

This is not an uncommon presentation and has been referred to by ferret owners as "Staggers". However, it is not a single disease but merely a sign that could be attributed to numerous causes including intervertebral disc disease, hypocalcaemia, viral myelitis, Aleutian disease, spinal damage, bone marrow suppression, and dietary imbalances such as thiamine deficiency.

 

Ingested Foreign Bodies and Zinc Toxicity

 

Ferrets that are permitted to roam the house and play with objects are prone to swallow them. These items are referred to as "foreign bodies" and can cause an intestinal obstruction that requires emergency care and even surgery. If the item contains lead or zinc (as many household objects do) then heavy metal intoxication can ensue.

 

Bladder Stones

 

Bladder stones varying in size from grains of sand to large stones can lead to cystitis and bloody urine. Treatment often requires surgical removal of the stones and a change of diet.

 

If your ferret is exhibiting hair loss or any unusual symptoms, a trip to a ferret friendly vet is a must. Diagnosis of adrenal disease is often based solely on clinical signs. However, a full work up is indicated, with blood work and x-rays primarily to rule out other conditions that may be present along with adrenal disease before treatment. In particular, insulinoma (very common in older ferrets) should be ruled out. Ultrasound can sometimes be used to confirm the presence of an enlarged adrenal gland, and sometime a vet will even be able to feel the enlarged gland, especially on the left. Oddly enough, over 80% of cases occur in the left adrenal gland only, with about 15% of cases involving both right and left glands.

 

Lymphoma and Lymphosarcoma

 

Lymphoma and lymphosarcoma describe the same condition. These common tumors of ferrets are tumors of certain white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes come in two different forms, T cells and B cells. T-cells regulate the attack white blood cells of the body while B cells are responsible for circulating antibodies against disease. Next to adrenal gland tumors, lymphomas and lymphosarcomas are the most common tumors I see in ferrets.

 

Malignant lymphomas and lymphosarcomas are solid lymphocyte tumors that form in the lymph nodes of the body and spleen. From there they can spread to many organs of the body. Ferrets of any age can develop lymphoma/lymphosarcoma but most that do are over four years of age. Male and female ferrets are equally affected. In cats, the immunodeficiency virus is responsible for many cases of lymphoma but we do not know if viruses precipitate this disease in ferrets.

 

Because so many different organs can be infiltrated with cancerous lymphocytes the disease can have any number of signs and can be confused with many different diseases. Like feline leukemia, it can be the true cause lurking below the surface of almost any signs of ill health in ferrets. Lymphosarcoma occurs in three forms in ferrets. The juvenile form affects ferrets less than two years of age. This is a highly malignant and rapidly progressing form of the disease characterized by large highly malignant (anaplastic) lymphocytes. Since superficial lymph nodes are not often enlarged in this form, the condition is often missed until it is quite advanced. One characteristic sign that may be noted is an enlarged spleen. The spleen can be many times its normal size. When it takes up a significant portion of the abdominal cavity it should be surgically removed. When the liver or intestines are involved, the problem can be confused with digestive disturbances (diarrhea, weight loss, vomission, dehydration) or hepatitis (jaundice and elevated liver enzymes). When the thymus in the anterior chest is enlarged, coughing and gasping may occur. In the adult form of lymphosarcoma, superficial lymph nodes and spleen are usually enlarged. In these older ferrets the disease does not progress as rapidly as it does in younger animals. Later in this disease, the major organs of the body become invaded with neoplastic (cancerous) lymphocytes. Other signs depend on which organs are affected but commonly include loss of curiosity, energy and appetite, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea. Some animals show paralysis when the nervous system is invaded. Masses are often palpated in the abdomen or seen in x-rays of the chest. When the tumor is present in the chest the respiratory difficulties seen are sometimes misdiagnosed as heart problems or pneumonia. Sometimes circulating lymphocyte numbers are increased. In a third form of the disease, the lymphocytes have become highly rudimentary and highly aggressive and invasive.

 

Many vet's feel that as a strict carnivore the pancreas are very sensitive to sugar, that giving sugar may even cause insulinoma's (perhaps for genetic reasons, some are more sensitive than others). It is important to NEVER provide any sugary treats or snacks which includes: raisins, fruit, honey, etc., whether or not your ferret has insulinoma.

 

Sugars rapidly convert into glucose providing major energy sources for the bodies cells. High glucose levels in the bloodstream create high demand on the pancreas to produce insulin allowing the cells to use glucose. The chronic high levels of blood sugar and stimulation of the pancreas to produce and relaease insulin (caused by high carb diets) is strongly believed to contribute to the development of this disease. The islet cells tumors then produce excess amounts of insulin leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The best and most healthiest treats you can offer are those that are animal protein based. Unfortunately, there is no absolute cure for this disease, however with carefully supervised treatments consisting of surgery, diet control and medicines, a ferrets life span can be increased by 3 years or more.

 

If your ferret goes into a seizure, it can be a very frightening experience, and it will be important that you do not panic. Your ferret can be stretched on its side, have excessive drooling to foaming at the mouth, twitching, shaking, and be unresponsive. During this time, you will need to apply a small amount of honey (should always have on hand) on their gums and inner lips with a cotton wool bud (to avoid accidental biting). You might have to repeat this every few minutes for up to 20-30 minutes, at which time your ferret should start becoming alert again. At this point you will need to provide a high protein snack (ie; meat based baby food, softened kibble, etc.), as the protein will act to stabilize the glucose levels. You should NOT provide honey to your ferret at any other time!

Edited December 15, 2010 by Hezbear

[Reload]

All the above is gud advise MM.

 

Try and get 2, they love company. I have 2 young 1's that I don't let the inexperienced handle. But my older 2 are great for anyone to handle, the young 1's are coming on nicely...

 

Good luck.

[jonevo]

sorted mm you dont need anymore advice than that,Ive had ferrets for more than 30yrs dont worry mate,they are well handled and dont bite :blink:

[MM]

sorted mm you dont need anymore advice than that,Ive had ferrets for more than 30yrs dont worry mate,they are well handled and dont bite :blink:

 

 

 

cant wait mate. It will be good to have a local expart on hand at 3am

[MM]

I dont even know why i ask the children The new ferret is going to be called..........wait for it..........................

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'Brian The Squirrel'

[hushpower]

All that mumbo jumbo about training,stick brian the suirrel down the pants twice a day for two weeks,once its stopped biting ye redy to take it ferreting.Well it worked for steptoe

[Peoown]

Im sure I just read your getting ferrets!

[hutchie the white hunter]

JUST ENJOY THEM THATS THE BEST PART :good:

[jonevo]

Peo martin told me earlier its for you for crimbo

[MM]

Im sure I just read your getting ferrets!

 

 

Yes i am, and no, its not your crimbo pressie. :lol:

[Ferretertom]

I did a post on sportshooter.co.uk about ferret keeping

 

 

If you decide to get ferrets make sure you start off with a 4ft long hutch at the minimum as they are active little critters. They will be fine by themselves but prefer company, so i would start off with 2 of the same sex, hobs (males) or jills (females). They should be handled everyday to keep them calm as they could end up getting nippy.

 

For the floor of the hutch i use sawdust and change it every 2 days, for there bedding i use shredded paper which gets cleaned out at the same time as the saw dust as ferrets hoard there left over food for later but end up forgetting about it.

I feed mine on rabbits, birds (shot with the air rifle), the odd fish out the river (gutted so i'm sure there is no hooks in), dry cat food and ferret food, tinned cat and dog food. I feed mine once a day or if it's a full rabbit i leave it in for 2 days unless it gets fly blown then it gets thrown out.

 

Jills come in to heat when the days start getting longer, beginning of spring. You will notice the vulva start swelling and the hobs testicles start swelling. The hob grabs the jill by the scruff of her neck and pulls her about (usually into the bedding area) although it looks rough it's the ferrets way of doing things. I usually put the hob in with the jill in the morning and leave them till the next day but i will check on them a couple of times during the day to make sure he hasn't ripped her neck. The gestation period is roughly 42 days, she will pull the fur off her belly and make her nest (this should not be touched). The jills normally have a average litter of between 6 - 9 kits, although first time mothers may have less. The jill should be left alone as much as possible when she has her kitts for the first few weeks. After 3 weeks the kitts will start to move around and at 4 weeks there eyes open. The kitts will start trying to eat meat when there eyes open although i've had kits at 3 1/2 weeks lapping the gravy off the tinned dog and cat food.

 

I use my ferrets to bolt rabbits to the lurchers, terriers and nets during the colder months. If you are going to use them for rabbits always make sure you have a collar and locator on them in case they kill to ground so you can locate them and dig down to the ferret and rabbit. I also use my jills and dogs for rats as the hobs tend to be on the big side for rats although where a hob can go few rats will try to stand agaainst him. Ratting with ferrets should also be carried out when it's cold as a female rat with young will defend it's kids till the end.

 

Ferrets can suffer from various health diseases

Abscesses, especially around the mouth, can occur due to sharp bones in a poor diet. Abscesses elsewhere may be caused by fighting. Treatment usually involves lancing and cleaning the abscess under anaesthesia, followed by antibiotics. Recovery is usually uneventful.

Enteritis

 

Enteritis can be caused by a variety of bacteria including E. coli, Campylobacter and Clostridium. Signs may include vomiting and diarrhoea. If severe, life-threatening dehydration can occur rapidly. Animals require plenty of fluids, sometimes by intravenous injection, and antibiotic therapy. Very young ferrets are most susceptible and may not survive unless treated in time.

 

Botulism

 

The feeding of wild prey items, especially bird carcases, may cause intoxication by the botulism toxin. This can be avoided by feeding a refined tinned or pellet food.

Dental

 

The increasing reliance on complete diets, especially tinned foods, and treats has led to an increase in dental disease in ferrets. Yearly check-ups with your local vet should include an oral examination to check for dental problems.

 

Descaling under general anaesthesia may be necessary to prevent tooth loss. It might be possible to clean your ferret's teeth, just like dogs and cats, but make sure you use a dedicated animal toothpaste - human toothpastes foam up and animals do not like it!

 

Feeding a pellet ration and providing chews may help reduce this problem. Feeding raw chicken with the bone in also helps in keeping your ferret teeth clean and strong, use the chicken wings, neck and stripped carcass.

 

Nutritional

 

Osteodystrophy (brittle bones)

 

Used to be more common when ferrets were fed an all meat diet that was low in calcium. Young growing ferrets, often entire litters, were most commonly affected. Individuals are unable to stand and the front limbs bow and become distorted. Even with dietary correction and calcium supplementation, bone deformities remain. Fortunately, these problems seem to be much rarer with the advent of complete diets.

 

Skin

 

Fleas, Ticks and Mites

 

Ferrets may succumb to fleas, ticks and mites just like dogs and cats. If your ferret is part of a multi-pet (dog and cat) house-hold then you should ask you vet about routine flea treatment. While none of the prescription medications are licensed for ferrets, some appear to be safe if used on an appropriate 'dose - per per kg' basis. Again, your local vet can give you more detailed advice on the most appropriate flea treatment for your ferret.

 

Ringworm

 

This uncommon fungal disease of ferrets is probably more commonly associated with cats, dogs and people. Diagnosis is by hair culture and treatment using griseofulvin is similar to that used for cats.

 

Viral

 

Canine Distemper

 

Ferrets are highly susceptible to canine distemper virus which is present in the UK and primarily affects dogs. The virus causes eye and nasal discharges, pyrexia, and anorexia, followed by a rash under the chin and in the groin region. Terminally, the infected ferret develops nervous signs, convulsions and always die. This virus is 100% fatal in ferrets and there is no cure. Pet dogs are routinely vaccinated against canine distemper. Unfortunately, there are no such vaccines currently licensed for use in ferrets in the UK. Further details on the pros and cons of vaccinating your ferret should be discussed with your local veterinary surgeon.

 

Rabies

 

Ferrets, like all mammals, are susceptible to rabies. Fortunately rabies is not currently in the UK but it is sporadically reported throughout the rest of Europe. There is no cure and suspect animals are put to sleep because of the dangers of human infection. Prevention is possible by vaccination. Aleutian Disease (a form of parvo virus) This is a serious viral disease of mink and can cause persistent infection in ferrets. The disease is immune-mediated and signs can be variable and include dark stools, recurrent fevers, weight loss, behavioural changes, weakness and even death. There is no cure and no available vaccine, but clinically this disease is extremely rare in pet ferrets. Note:Ferrets cannot contract dog parvo. The only parvo virus they can catch is Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV), for which you can have your ferret tested.

 

Other

 

Ferret Skin Tumors, Cysts, Lumps And Abscesses

 

As your ferret ages, you are likely to notice assorted lumps and scabs in or under the skin. When you have more than one ferret and scabs are present around the neck, it is often the result of the pets rough housing. When this is not the cause, these scabs may indicate an ear infection and overgrown toenails. Boredom also increases grooming and scratching which can lead to irritated areas. Also, with aging, the skin does not heal as quickly as it once did.

 

Cysts

 

Cysts arise when natural glandular secretions become trapped within a skin gland. This is often a sebaceous gland that normally produces skin oils. It can also be one of the many musk glands that surround the ferret’s rear end. Even descented ferrets have lots of these glands. They are the reason descented ferrets still have a musky odor. When the duct of a gland becomes occluded, normally liquid secretions harden and become firm waxy material trapped in the gland. Cysts are always oval in shape and move with the skin. With time they develop a fibrous capsule. They usually get no larger than a pea. Cysts may rupture, drain, and then reform. They have the same color as the surrounding skin, which helps distinguish them from abscesses. Squeezing them causes no pain. Sterile abscesses resulting from vaccinations can easily be confused with cysts. Such abscesses are usually elongated and slightly below the skin rather than in it. Unless they are located in a sensitive spot, cysts do not need to be removed. However, your veterinarian may suggest it be removed or biopsied (sample of tissue sent to a pathologist) because some early tumors mimic cysts so much that only a pathologist can differentiate them. In general, tumors are more flattened than cysts.

 

Abscesses

 

An abscess is an infection or area of inflamed tissue that the body has walled off to keep it from spreading. All abscesses begin as ill-defined areas of inflammation which is hot to the touch and painful. The body rushes defender white blood cells to this area giving it distinct boundaries. As these defender cells break down they form the pus one associates with an abscess. Blood vessels dilate in the area of an abscess giving it additional heat. Irritated nerve endings in the abscess area are responsible for the pain. Many abscesses begin as bacterial infections of the skin produced by a bite or penetration of a sharp object. Once a discrete abscess has formed, it almost never results in bacterial blood poisoning or septicemia. Others occur due to the presence of a foreign substance such as a thorn. Abscesses often disappear without giving antibiotics when the capsule holding the pus is opened and cleansed of dead tissue and debris. Abscesses of the gums of ferrets are usually associated with an infected tooth. The two teeth most commonly affected in older ferrets are the fangs (canine teeth) and upper molars. Tooth abscesses often involve the bone of the jaw and face in addition to the skin. Molar tooth abscesses almost always form a drain point just below the proximal eye. If your ferret receives a deep contaminated puncture wound, such as being bitten by another pet, it is wise to put the pet on a three day course of ammoxicillin (10mg/lb twice a day) or cephalexin (15mg/lb twice a day) to prevent abscess formation. Putting your pet on medication to prevent a possible abscess or infection is called prophylactic medication.

 

Other Skin Lumps

 

The bodies of ferrets as well as all other mammals have lymph nodes placed at strategic points on the body just under the skin. These lymph nodes enlarge (lymphadenopathy) in response to infections as well as lymphatic tumors. Ferrets are more susceptible to tumors of these glands called lymphosarcomas. The tumor itself is made up of millions upon millions of cancerous lymphocytes – one of the white blood cells. Common locations for these to form are at the anterior point of the shoulder (prescapular L.N.) under the chin (submaxillary L.N.), in the groin (inguinal L.N.) and to the rear of the knee (popliteal L.N.). The nodes are rooted in deeper tissues so they do not move freely. They are firm and painless and often more than one node is enlarged.

 

Skin Cancers

 

These tumors are rather common in old ferrets. There are many many kinds, each with their own name, depending on the type of cell that became cancerous. Some common ones are fibromas and fibrosarcomas (tumors of the connective tissue), adenomas and adenocarcinomas (tumors of skin glands), mast cell tumors, hemangiomas (tumors of blood vessels), basal cell tumors. Many of these tumors can be successfully removed surgically. The earlier they are removed the better. When they are excised (removed), a ring of the surrounding skin and subcutaneous tissue equal to one or two diameters of the tumor should be removed to increase the likelihood that the tumor will not regrow. This can be difficult or impossible on limbs, the head, or adjacent to eyes or the mouth. Luckily, ferrets have a lot of extra skin over their bodies, which helps me close these incisions. Once removed, a sample of the tumor can be sent to a pathologist. The pathologist’s report will give you clues as to whether the tumor is likely to have spread to other areas of the body.

 

Hind-Limb Weakness

 

This is not an uncommon presentation and has been referred to by ferret owners as "Staggers". However, it is not a single disease but merely a sign that could be attributed to numerous causes including intervertebral disc disease, hypocalcaemia, viral myelitis, Aleutian disease, spinal damage, bone marrow suppression, and dietary imbalances such as thiamine deficiency.

 

Ingested Foreign Bodies and Zinc Toxicity

 

Ferrets that are permitted to roam the house and play with objects are prone to swallow them. These items are referred to as "foreign bodies" and can cause an intestinal obstruction that requires emergency care and even surgery. If the item contains lead or zinc (as many household objects do) then heavy metal intoxication can ensue.

 

Bladder Stones

 

Bladder stones varying in size from grains of sand to large stones can lead to cystitis and bloody urine. Treatment often requires surgical removal of the stones and a change of diet.

 

If your ferret is exhibiting hair loss or any unusual symptoms, a trip to a ferret friendly vet is a must. Diagnosis of adrenal disease is often based solely on clinical signs. However, a full work up is indicated, with blood work and x-rays primarily to rule out other conditions that may be present along with adrenal disease before treatment. In particular, insulinoma (very common in older ferrets) should be ruled out. Ultrasound can sometimes be used to confirm the presence of an enlarged adrenal gland, and sometime a vet will even be able to feel the enlarged gland, especially on the left. Oddly enough, over 80% of cases occur in the left adrenal gland only, with about 15% of cases involving both right and left glands.

 

Lymphoma and Lymphosarcoma

 

Lymphoma and lymphosarcoma describe the same condition. These common tumors of ferrets are tumors of certain white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes come in two different forms, T cells and B cells. T-cells regulate the attack white blood cells of the body while B cells are responsible for circulating antibodies against disease. Next to adrenal gland tumors, lymphomas and lymphosarcomas are the most common tumors I see in ferrets.

 

Malignant lymphomas and lymphosarcomas are solid lymphocyte tumors that form in the lymph nodes of the body and spleen. From there they can spread to many organs of the body. Ferrets of any age can develop lymphoma/lymphosarcoma but most that do are over four years of age. Male and female ferrets are equally affected. In cats, the immunodeficiency virus is responsible for many cases of lymphoma but we do not know if viruses precipitate this disease in ferrets.

 

Because so many different organs can be infiltrated with cancerous lymphocytes the disease can have any number of signs and can be confused with many different diseases. Like feline leukemia, it can be the true cause lurking below the surface of almost any signs of ill health in ferrets. Lymphosarcoma occurs in three forms in ferrets. The juvenile form affects ferrets less than two years of age. This is a highly malignant and rapidly progressing form of the disease characterized by large highly malignant (anaplastic) lymphocytes. Since superficial lymph nodes are not often enlarged in this form, the condition is often missed until it is quite advanced. One characteristic sign that may be noted is an enlarged spleen. The spleen can be many times its normal size. When it takes up a significant portion of the abdominal cavity it should be surgically removed. When the liver or intestines are involved, the problem can be confused with digestive disturbances (diarrhea, weight loss, vomission, dehydration) or hepatitis (jaundice and elevated liver enzymes). When the thymus in the anterior chest is enlarged, coughing and gasping may occur. In the adult form of lymphosarcoma, superficial lymph nodes and spleen are usually enlarged. In these older ferrets the disease does not progress as rapidly as it does in younger animals. Later in this disease, the major organs of the body become invaded with neoplastic (cancerous) lymphocytes. Other signs depend on which organs are affected but commonly include loss of curiosity, energy and appetite, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea. Some animals show paralysis when the nervous system is invaded. Masses are often palpated in the abdomen or seen in x-rays of the chest. When the tumor is present in the chest the respiratory difficulties seen are sometimes misdiagnosed as heart problems or pneumonia. Sometimes circulating lymphocyte numbers are increased. In a third form of the disease, the lymphocytes have become highly rudimentary and highly aggressive and invasive.

 

Many vet's feel that as a strict carnivore the pancreas are very sensitive to sugar, that giving sugar may even cause insulinoma's (perhaps for genetic reasons, some are more sensitive than others). It is important to NEVER provide any sugary treats or snacks which includes: raisins, fruit, honey, etc., whether or not your ferret has insulinoma.

 

Sugars rapidly convert into glucose providing major energy sources for the bodies cells. High glucose levels in the bloodstream create high demand on the pancreas to produce insulin allowing the cells to use glucose. The chronic high levels of blood sugar and stimulation of the pancreas to produce and relaease insulin (caused by high carb diets) is strongly believed to contribute to the development of this disease. The islet cells tumors then produce excess amounts of insulin leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The best and most healthiest treats you can offer are those that are animal protein based. Unfortunately, there is no absolute cure for this disease, however with carefully supervised treatments consisting of surgery, diet control and medicines, a ferrets life span can be increased by 3 years or more.

 

If your ferret goes into a seizure, it can be a very frightening experience, and it will be important that you do not panic. Your ferret can be stretched on its side, have excessive drooling to foaming at the mouth, twitching, shaking, and be unresponsive. During this time, you will need to apply a small amount of honey (should always have on hand) on their gums and inner lips with a cotton wool bud (to avoid accidental biting). You might have to repeat this every few minutes for up to 20-30 minutes, at which time your ferret should start becoming alert again. At this point you will need to provide a high protein snack (ie; meat based baby food, softened kibble, etc.), as the protein will act to stabilize the glucose levels. You should NOT provide honey to your ferret at any other time!

Thats some very usefull info there.