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Ferret Health - Are You Prepared?

© 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.