Ferret Health: Are You Prepared?

By Pam McInnis

When we bring pets into our homes and hearts, we must be fully prepared to provide for their comfort, social and nutritional needs. In addition, we must realize that our pets cannot tell us, in so many words, when they aren't feeling well. It is up to us to be aware of their physical condition and provide proper veterinary care.

Ferret owners face unique challenges in providing health care for their pets. If you have a ferret in your home, or are considering adding one to your family, ask yourself the following questions.

Is there a veterinarian in my area who is well-versed in ferret health and anatomy?

Believe it or not, the answer to this question is not always "yes." Not all veterinarians see ferrets or other small animals. Many restrict themselves to dogs and cats.

When I got my first ferret several years ago, I contacted the veterinarian who had seen my dog for years. He informed me that he did not see ferrets, and recommended another animal hospital. I began taking my ferrets to this organization, and overall I was satisfied with their treatment of my pets. However, as I learned more through my own reading about ferret health and treatment options, my level of satisfaction dwindled. It wasn't that my vet didn't know the basics of ferret health, but she wasn't up to speed on some of the more "cutting edge" treatments and breakthroughs in ferret medicine. Eventually, I found a veterinarian who met my needs, but finding a specialist who can treat your ferrets is not always as simple as finding a place to take your dog or cat.

I strongly recommend that potential ferret owners identify a veterinarian BEFORE bringing their new pet home.

Am I prepared to deal with the health issues and concerns that plague ferrets as they age?

Ferrets are prone to a variety of health problems as they mature. The two most common ferret ailments are adrenal disease and insulinoma. Adrenal disease is the result of a tumor or hyperplasia growing on one or both of a ferret's adrenal glands. Insulinoma is caused by islet cell tumor growth in a ferret's pancreas.

Both conditions cause discomfort and increasingly poor health in ferrets. Insulinoma becomes life threatening over time. Unfortunately, both conditions occur fairly frequently in older ferrets, and can occur in younger pets as well. The most highly recommended treatment for both conditions is surgery. A ferret owner, especially someone who chooses to own more than one ferret, should be financially and emotionally prepared for the possibility of her pet requiring surgery at some point during its life span.

Am I comfortable with the routines required to maintain my ferret's health?

Oftentimes, new ferret owners make the mistake of comparing their pet's care needs to that of other caged animals, such as rabbits or hamsters. The reality is that ferret ownerships comes with a lot of "health maintenance rituals" not always found with small pets.

Ferret owners need to consider the following:

• Your ferret will require rabies and canine distemper vaccinations.
• If you acquire a ferret who has not been spayed or neutered and descented, you will most likely need to have these procedures performed.
• Your ferret's claws will need to be trimmed at least once every few weeks to avoid injury to your pet and your belongings.
• Your ferret will require periodic bathing.
• Ferrets are curious creatures and often nibble on things they shouldn't. You'll need to keep a close eye on your ferret's "tasting" habits to avoid intestinal blockages.
• Ferrets can be prone to respiratory problems so you'll have to be mindful of things such as dust residue given off by litter.
• Extremely hot or cold temperatures can be lethal to a ferret. You'll need to monitor the temperatures inside your home and be extra cautious when traveling with your ferret.

So how does a ferret owner become a pro at providing good health care for her companion? There seems to be so much to learn, and the available information continues to grow as more and more people become interested in these fascinating creatures.

• Subscribe to ferret listservs and magazines.
• Select and communicate frequently with a veterinarian who is familiar with the quirky health traits of ferrets.
• Network with other ferret owners through email groups, local ferret communities, and ferret shelters.
• Check back here for upcoming articles on adrenal gland disease, insulinoma, choosing a ferret veterinarian, and caring for a ferret who is ill or recovering from surgery.

By educating yourself about your ferret's health, you'll add months to years of fun and frolic to your pet's life.

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.