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A Real-Life Look At Ferret Illness

© Pam McInnis

I've said it many times, but I'm feeling a need to say it again.

Ferrets are amazing creatures. For those who are committed to caring for them and enjoy mischief and mayhem, they make wonderful pets. But they can also break your heart.

Unfortunately, these unique animals suffer a variety of ailments as they age. I've seen many quotes on "a ferret's average life span," the most common ranging from 5-7 years. While there are some documented cases of ferrets living 9 or even 10 years, the sad reality is that the little guys often experiences a range of serious illnesses as they age.

Six ferrets have shared my home and heart. One, Joey, passed away due to insulinoma in October 2000. Since Joey's death, two more members of my gang have battled illness. I share my recent encounters with ferret illness both as an apology for the absence of new articles to this site in recent weeks and to give potential ferret owners an understanding of the emotional and financial realities of caring for older ferrets.

Last April, I discovered that Weaz, my five-year-old alpha ferret, had adrenal disease. This condition causes hair loss, aggressive behavior and muscle atrophy. During a double adrenalectomy (removal of both adrenal glands), our vet discovered that Weaz also had insulinoma (tumors in the pancreas). Insulinoma can cause disorientation, nausea and weakness, particularly in the hind legs. As the disease advances, the ferret can actually suffer seizures and even fall into a coma-like state. Insulinoma is often fatal in ferrets.

Our vet removed the insulinoma and part of Weaz's pancreas during the surgery. But this condition is recurring, and six months later, Weaz's insulinoma returned. Because of his overall health, we have made the difficult decision not to put him through another surgery. Instead, Weaz is on Pediapred, which treats but does not cure insulinoma. In addition, he receives a hormone injection approximately every six weeks to compensate for the fact that he no longer has adrenal glands.

Right now, Weaz still lives the good life for an old geezer. He isn't crazy about his medication, and since it is very important for insulinoma ferrets to eat regularly I supplement his kibble diet with canned food mixed with Ferretone. Three times each day, I hand feed him a bit of this concoction to be sure he's getting enough protein, even though he will eat on his own. He sleeps a lot and does experience some hind leg weakness and disorientation. His ferret comrades seem to know he's not his old self, and curl around him in a most affectionate and tender way at naptime.

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