Ferrets are susceptible to a number of diseases, most notably canine distemper, which is considered 100% fatal.
Ferrets can be protected from distemper by vaccination.
After three years of age, ferrets become prone to several “geriatric” diseases including adrenal neoplasia, polycystic kidneys, lymphosarcoma, insulinoma, and skin neoplasia.
Aplastic Anemia
Female ferrets that are not spayed and not allowed to breed can quickly develop a fatal anemia.
We recommend spaying before eight months of age, but not before six months, to potentially prevent adrenal tumors.
Green Virus Diarrhea
Green Virus Diarrhea is an infectious disease thought to be caused by a coronavirus.
It is very infectious.
No preventive measures are effective.
Supportive care with fluids and liquid is the most important component of survival.
Annual veterinary examinations to monitor for disease and general wellbeing are important for the health of your ferret.
Annual Geriatric Examination
When your ferret reaches three years of age, we recommend an annual geriatric examination which consists of:
Physical examination to evaluate your ferret’s heart and lung sounds, body temperature, weight, and general condition.
4–6 hour fasting blood panel and glucose/insulinoma test to check for kidney or liver disease, infection, or other degenerative conditions sometimes associated with advancing age.
Booster vaccinations against canine distemper and rabies.
Optional tests may include urinalysis and stool culture.
The above geriatric examination may require a short stay so your ferret can wake up gently from anesthesia.
Additional Diagnostics
Abnormalities in any of the above tests may lead to further diagnostics such as:
Ultrasonography.
Cardiography/echocardiography.
Electrocardiogram.
Tumors in Pet Ferrets
Pet ferrets suffer from an unusually high incidence of cancer, especially pancreatic and adrenal tumors.
It is estimated that 30 to 40 percent of ferrets over the age of three have one or both tumor types.
For this reason, we recommend twice yearly examinations of all ferrets over the age of three.
Early detection can aid in treatment of these tumors and prevent complications associated with a grave prognosis.
Pancreatic Tumors or Insulinoma
Tumors of the pancreas produce an oversupply of insulin causing low blood sugar.
Early signs include periodic weakness, weak hindquarters, profuse salivating, staring blankly into space, and weight loss.
In advanced cases ferrets are depressed for long periods of time, may seizure, or go into a coma.
Diagnosis is based on demonstrating low blood sugar levels after a 4–5 hour fast.
Treatments for Pancreatic Tumors
There are several treatments for pancreatic tumors.
Surgery may be performed to remove tumors. Some are easily removed and some are so small and scattered that complete removal is impossible.
During surgery, a complete exploratory is done to look for other tumors or abnormalities.
Dietary therapy may also be used. Small frequent, high protein meals are fed including meat baby food, cooked meat, or high protein feline supplements such as A/D.
In addition to surgery and dietary therapy, one or more drugs may be added to help blood sugar elevation.
Adrenal Tumors
Tumors of the adrenal gland can be one of several tumor types.
Early signs of cancer may include symmetrical hair loss, thinning skin, itchiness, and swelling of the vulva.
Male ferrets can additionally become unable to urinate.
Muscle wasting and mild to severe depression are seen in advanced cases.
Diagnosis is difficult because there are few tests for this disease.
Diagnosis is confirmed at surgery.
Treatment Options for Adrenal Tumors
Treatment options include surgery to remove the cancerous adrenal gland.
An exploratory is performed to rule out spread and other tumor types.
Drug therapy may be used to destroy the tumor.
The drug is only effective against certain types of tumors and is not recommended for ferrets who also have pancreatic tumors.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a tumor of the lymph node system.
Signs of lymphoma depend on how extensive the individual tumor is and where it is causing problems.
A tumor in the chest is sometimes fatal due to the severe effect it has on breathing.
Most of the time, the tumor will cause a weakened and ineffective immune system or organ damage.
Chemotherapy is instituted to put this cancer in remission after extensive blood work is performed to see if the body can handle the medication.
There is generally no surgical cure.
