Part 5: Medical Overview

11. Common health problems

• Common diseases in ferrets
• Overview of common health problems
  • Noninfectious
  • Parasitic health problems
  • Infectious diseases
  • Neoplasia (Cancer)

12. General medical information

• Do I need to worry about toxoplasmosis?
• How can I get my ferret to take this medication?
• Where can I get medications at a discount?
• Can ferrets have transfusions?
• What anesthetic should my vet be using?
• How do I care for my sick or recovering ferret?
• My ferret won't eat. What should I do?
• What's Duck Soup? Anyone have a recipe?
• What are normal body temperature, blood test results, etc.?
• What tests might my vet want to run, and why?

13. Medical reference material

• Who makes this product or medication?
• What books can I get or recommend to my vet?
• Are there any other useful references?

Common diseases in ferrets

Intestinal blockages

Caused by eating something indigestible, such as an eraser, a rubber band, some fabrics, or even a good-sized hairball (accumulated from grooming), which gets stuck. Symptoms may include (one or more of) lack of bowel movement, constipation, bloating, vomiting or heaving, drooling, and others. Blockages may occur at any point in the digestive tract, from the throat through the lower intestine, even in the stomach where the object may move around and produce only intermittent symptoms. Blockages are serious and occasionally fatal; the most important immediate concern is to keep your ferret hydrated, which you can do by giving him 5 cc of water every 4 hours from a baby feeding syringe. You can try giving your ferret large doses of hairball remedy every 30 minutes for an hour or two to see if the blockage passes, but if not, take him to a vet right away for an X-ray, barium study, and/or surgery to remove it. Laxatone or a similar hairball remedy/laxative can help prevent this.

Tumors or lesions of the adrenal glands

Symptoms vary, including hair loss spreading from the base of the tail forward, lethargy, loss of appetite, and loss of coordination in the hindquarters. In females, often the most prominent sign is an enlarged vulva as in heat. Often, however, a tumor will be present without showing any signs at all, so if your ferret is going in for any surgery, the vet should take a look at the adrenal glands as well (if time permits -- ferrets lose body heat very quickly in surgery). The left gland seems to be affected more often than the right. More information is available in the Ferret Medical FAQ on Adrenal Disease.

Islet cell tumors (insulinoma)

These are tumors of insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas. Their main effect is a drop in the blood sugar level, and they are also common enough in older ferrets, even without symptoms, that if your pet is having surgery for something else, a quick check is worthwhile. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, wobbly gait, and pawing at the mouth; in more severe cases attention lapses (staring into space) or seizures may also occur. If you're more than a minute from your vet and your ferret has a low enough blood sugar level to be having seizures, call the vet and ask if you should rub Karo (corn sugar) syrup or honey on your pet's gums to raise it just enough to bring him out of the seizure. More information is available in the Ferret Medical FAQ on Insulinoma .

Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma

This is a cancer of the lymphatic system. There are two main types, "classic" and juvenile. Classic lymphoma occurs in older ferrets and causes enlarged lymph nodes and irregularities in the blood cell count, but often the ferret doesn't show any outward signs until the disease has progressed pretty far, at which point the ferret suddenly gets very sick. Conclusive diagnosis is by aspiration or biopsy of a lymph node, and treatment is chemotherapy. Juvenile lymphoma is completely different. It affects ferrets under 14 months, doesn't generally cause enlarged lymph nodes, and hits very hard and fast. Also see the Ferret Medical FAQ on Lymphosarcoma.

Splenomegaly [enlarged spleen, usually a swelling in the upper abdomen]

In situations where a neoplasm is not present [this is a common symptom of lymphosarcoma], the pros and cons of splenectomy should be discussed with your veterinarian. If an animal simply has a large spleen, but shows no signs of illness or discomfort, it is safer for the animal to leave it in. However, if the animal shows signs of discomfort, such as lethargy and a poor appetite, or a decrease in activity, the spleen should probably be removed. These animals also need good nursing care care to get them back on their food. Often caused by H. mustelae infection (see below). With proper care - recovery rates are over 90%. Also see the Ferret Medical FAQ on Splenomegaly.

Helicobacter mustelae infection

A bacterial infection of the stomach lining, Helicobacter mustelae is extremely common in ferrets. Animals with long-standing infections (generally older animals), may develop gastric problems due to the bacteria's ability to decrease acid production in the stomach. Signs of a problem include repetitive vomiting, lack of appetite, and signs of gastric ulcers (see above). Helicobacter infection and gastric ulcers often go hand in hand - the relationship between infection and gastric ulcer formation has not been totally worked out, although there is currently a lot of research in this area. Also see the Ferret Medical FAQ on Gastric Ulcers / Helicobacter mustelae.

Cutaneous vaccine reactions

Subcutaneous vaccination with rabies or other vaccines may, over a period of weeks, cause a hard lump at the site of vaccination. The lump simply consists of a large area of inflammation and most commonly are seen around the neck. The lumps can be removed, and generally do not cause a major problem for your pet. Similar lesions may be seen in vaccinated dogs and cats.

Urinary tract infections and prostate trouble

Signs include frequent urination, straining to urinate, and possibly funny-looking or smelly urine. Un-spayed females in heat, and spayed females with swollen vulvas due to adrenal disease , are particularly prone to UTIs. Treatment generally consists of a course of antibiotic (usually Amoxicillin); if the ferret doesn't respond to that, the possibility of bladder stones should be considered.

In males, what looks like a UTI may be (or be aggravated by) an inflamed prostate, also generally caused by adrenal disease. In this case the prostate, which is normally tiny, can be palpated, and a greenish goo can often be expressed from it. Taking care of the adrenal problem should clear up the prostate trouble too.

Noninfectious

by Dr. Susan Brown, DVM

1. GI Foreign Bodies
   • This is the MOST COMMON cause of wasting and acute abdominal disease in the ferret under 1 year of age. It occurs with less frequency in older ferrets.
   • Ferrets love to chew and eat rubber and "sweaty" objects. The most common foreign bodies we remove are latex rubber pet toys, foam rubber, insoles and soles of shoes, pipe insulation, chair foot protectors, along with towels, cotton balls, plastic, metal, and wood.
   • Hair balls are VERY COMMON particularly in the ferret 2 years of age and older.
   • Most foreign bodies remain in the stomach if they are too large to pass and cause a slow wasting disease that may last for months. (This is the way that most hairballs present.) However, if the foreign material passes out of the stomach and lodges in the small intestine, then the pet becomes acutely ill, severely depressed, dehydrated, in extreme abdominal pain and finally coma and death within 24 to 48 hours if surgery is not performed.
   • Other signs that your pet may have a foreign body are pawing at the mouth frequently, vomiting (although remember that many pets with foreign bodies do not vomit), appetite that goes on and off, black tarry stools that come and go.
   • Prevention is by use of a cat hairball laxative either every day or every other day (about 1") and ferret proofing your house on hands and knees for potential foreign body items.
   • Treatment is generally surgery, because if it is too large to leave the stomach, it has to come out somehow!

2. Aplastic Anemia
   • A common cause of death of unspayed breeding females.
   • The cause is a condition caused by high levels of the hormone estrogen that is produced during the heat period which in turn suppresses the production of vital red and white blood cells in the bone marrow. This suppression is irreversible as the disease advances and death occurs from severe anemia, bleeding (because the blood can't clot properly), and secondary bacterial infections because there aren't enough white blood cells to fight.
   • Signs are seen in animals in heat 1 month or longer (they can stay in heat up to 180 days if unbred), and include general depression and hind limb weakness that seems to occur suddenly and sudden loss of appetite. Additionally there may be marked hair loss and baldness on the body.
   • Upon closer exam the gums appear light pink or white, and there may be small hemorrhages under the skin. A complete blood count should be done to determine the severity of the damage to the bone marrow.
   • If the condition is advanced, there is no treatment as it is irreversible, and euthanasia is recommended. If the disease is caught early, treatment may include a spay, multiple transfusions and other supportive care.
   • Prevention is by having animals not designated for breeding spayed by 6 months of age. Those to be used for breeding should use the hormone HCG for taking them out of heat during cycles when they will not be bred. The use of vasectomized males can sometimes be unreliable, and we do not recommend it.

3. Anal Gland Impaction
   • Caused when the animal has a blockage to the outflow of anal gland secretion or abnormally thick anal gland material.
   • Signs are few, doesn't seem to cause them much pain. If the gland ruptures, a draining hole will be seen near the anus, and the pet may lick at the area frequently.
   • Treatment is by surgical removal of the anal glands. Even if only one is affected now, remove both as the other may become affected later.
   • There is no prevention, and this disease does not occur with sufficient frequency to warrant routine anal gland removal in all ferrets.

4. Cataracts
   • Caused when the lens of the eye becomes opaque. Light can no longer reach the retina and the animal becomes blind. In ferrets it is primarily seen in animals under one year of age and is considered to be hereditary. In other cases it may be caused by aging of the eye in very old animals or as a result of injury to the eye.
   • Signs are almost nonexistent. Ferrets have very poor eyesight and do not depend on it for much. Many people are surprised to find that their ferrets are blind. They eyes will have a whitish blue cast to the area of the pupil.
   • Treatment is unnecessary.
   • Prevention of hereditary cataracts is by not repeating the breeding.

5. Cardiomyopathy

   There is a separate FAQ devoted to cardiomyopathy.

   • Seen generally in animals over 3 years of age, rare in young. Caused by an abnormal thinning or thickening of the heart muscle which interferes with blood flow through the heart.
   • Signs include a marked decrease in activity, the need to rest in the middle of the play periods, great difficulty in awakening from sleep, and as the disease progresses one may see coughing, difficulty breathing, fluid build-up in the abdomen and a general loss of condition.
   • Diagnosis is by x-ray and EKG.
   • Treatment is dependent on which type of heart muscle abnormality is present. There is no cure for this disease, treatment helps to alleviate symptoms and reduce he work load on the heart and attempt to prolong life.

6. Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones)
   • The cause is not completely understood. A high ash content of the diet and possible underlying bacterial or viral infections, and even some genetic predisposition may all play a part. This condition is rarely seen in animals on a low ash cat food.
   • Signs include blood in the urine, difficulty in urinating (may be accompanied by crying when urinating), "sandy" material being passed in the urine, and in the most severe cases there may be a complete blockage leading to no urine being passed and eventual depression, coma and death.
   • Treatment depends on the size of the stones. Surgery may be indicated or a change to a special diet may solve the problem.
   • Prevention is by feeding a low ash diet.

Parasitic health problems

by Dr. Susan Brown, DVM

1. Ear Mites
   • Caused by a small mite that lives in the ear and sucks blood and is picked up from other animals with mites (including dogs and cats).
   • Signs are very minimal to none. Ferrets seem to tolerate mites very well. Occasionally there may be an excessive amount of ear wax produced, extensive scratching of the ears, and small black pigmented areas that appear on the ear.
   • Treatment is with Ivermectin at 1 mg/kg divided into two doses with each dose dropped into each ear. This is repeated in two weeks. All the animals in the house should be treated. Wash bedding the same day as treatment and a bath for the pet wouldn't hurt, either. They also may be treated with Tresaderm daily for 14 days.

2. Fleas
   • Caused by an insect that spends a small portion of its life on the animal and lives in the surrounding environment laying eggs the rest of the time.
   • Prevented by spraying or powdering your animals 2 times a week with a pyrethrin product if they go outside. If you already have them, the house must be treated also.

Infectious diseases

by Dr. Susan Brown, DVM

1. Influenza virus
   • Caused by the same complex of viruses that cause disease in humans. They can catch it from humans or other ferrets.
   • Signs include a runny nose (clear discharge), runny eyes, sneezing, coughing, decrease but not total loss in appetite, lethargy and occasionally diarrhea. In newborns it may be fatal.
   • Treatments is generally nothing specific except rest and loving care. They generally get over it in 3 to 7 days (recall how long your flu lasted, and they will generally be the same), The antihistamine product Chlor Trimeton may be used at 1/4 tablet 2 times daily for sneezing that may interfere with sleeping or eating. If the appetite is totally lost or if any green or yellow discharges appear or if there is extreme lethargy, these animals should be seen by a veterinarian.
   • Prevention is washing hands and no kissing when you are dealing with a cold. Also remember, they can give the flu right back to you!

2. Canine Distemper
   • A 100% fatal disease that is still very much out there! It is caused by a virus that attacks many organs in the body. The virus can stay alive for a long time on shoes and clothes that have come in contact with infected material. (Such as from walks in parks or other areas where animals roam).
   • Signs range from acute [quick] death to a slow progressive disease which usually starts as an eye infection and progresses to a rash on the chin and lips and abdomen, and thickened hard pads on the feet. Diarrhea, vomiting, severe lethargy are other possible signs. The disease may be very drawn out with seizures and coma at the end.
   • There is no treatment for distemper. Euthanasia is the kindest solution as it is a long and painful way to go.
   • Prevention is by vaccination with the Fromm-D [or Fervac-D] distemper vaccine. Use of [some] other vaccines have occasionally caused cases of distemper in ferrets. The schedule would be the first shot at 6 weeks of age then 8 weeks, 11 weeks, 14 weeks and annually thereafter. The vaccine WILL NOT last for 3 years in the face of an outbreak. Ferrets do not need vaccines containing leptospirosis, hepatitis, parainfluenza or any other dog virus.

Neoplasia (Cancer)

by Dr. Susan Brown, DVM

1. Lymphosarcoma
   • This is a disease of the lymphatic system of the body which is an important part of the immune system. The cause is unknown but investigation is being done to determine if there is a virus involved. It can occur in ferrets of any age.
   • Signs are very variable, and many animals show no outward signs until they are very ill, or changes are picked up on a routine veterinary exam. Changes may include enlarged lymph nodes anywhere in or on the body, a greatly enlarged spleen, wasting, difficulty breathing, and extreme lethargy. A complete blood cell count may indicate abnormal (cancerous) cells present, although this occurs in a very small percentage of cases.
   • Diagnosis is generally by biopsy of a lymph node, spleen or fluid from the chest.
   • Treatment is by chemotherapy of the animal fulfills certain criteria that would make it a good candidate, Chemotherapy has been successful in about 75% of our cases, allowing life to be prolonged in a quality way for 6 months to 2 years.

2. Insulinoma
   • This is a tumor of the pancreas leading to a high insulin production and a low blood sugar.

3. Adrenal Adenoma or Adenocarcinoma
   • This is a tumor of the adrenal gland.

4. Skin tumors
   • There are a variety of skin tumors occurring in the pet ferret. The most common are sebaceous gland adenomas, and mast cell tumors. Most of these should be removed particularly if they are ulcerated, bleeding, or have a rough surface.
   • Chondromas occur with some frequency on the tip of the tail as a hard round lump. They are generally benign, but may become large and bothersome and can easily be removed.

Do I need to worry about toxoplasmosis?

Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM, says:

Toxoplasmosis has been reported twice in ferrets. Ferrets will not shed the toxoplasma organism to the extent that cats do, but if they are exposed to cat feces, they may contract the disease and shed very low amounts of oocysts.

Here's the bottom line. Because of the devastating effects that Toxoplasma can have on a developing human fetus in the first trimester - you don't want to take ANY chance at all on exposing [a pregnant woman] to Toxo. So [someone in the household who isn't pregnant] inherits all litterbox duties for the next nine months. Actually, she probably stands a higher chance of getting Toxo from poorly cooked beef. The doctor says - if she's a carnivore - better get used to well-done steaks....

How can I get my ferret to take this medication?

Liquids

If you're really lucky, your ferret will like the taste of the medication. In that case, either hold the dropper in front of the ferret or empty it into a spoon and let him lick it. If you squeeze the medication into his mouth, be sure not to squirt it down his throat, since he may inhale some and get pneumonia. Putting the dropper behind his back teeth and aiming in from the side helps.

If he doesn't like the medication, you'll want to mix it with something that tastes better, such as Ferretone, Petromalt, Pedialyte, or apple juice. Check with your vet to find out what won't interfere with the medication or its absorption. Some can't be given with oils, others with sugary foods, others with dairy products, and so on. You might be able to just mix the medication and the bribe on a spoon and get your ferret to lick it that way.

If not, suck the medication into a small feeding syringe, the kind without a needle, draw in a few cc's of the bribe, and shake it to mix them. Put a big old towel on a table or the floor, put the ferret on it, and see if he'll lick the mixture willingly. Be warned, ferrets can spit several feet. Don't wear your nice clothes.

If you have to force the mixture in, hold the ferret's head and shoulders with one hand so he can't back away. Put the syringe tip in on the side of his mouth and slowly squirt the stuff in, being careful not to aim it down his throat (or he might inhale some) and making sure to give the ferret enough time to swallow. You may need to hold the ferret's head up and his mouth closed, and rub his throat so he swallows. Once the medication is gone, give the ferret another small treat and tell him what a good ferret he was.

Pills

Where can I get medications at a discount?

Can ferrets have transfusions?

If your ferret is going in for extensive surgery, ask your vet whether it might be a good idea to also bring along a big, healthy ferret as a potential blood donor, just in case it's needed.

What anesthetic should my vet be using?

The only acceptable type of anesthetic agent for general anesthesia in the ferret is gas, and preferably a gas anesthetic called isoflurane. Most vets use it, but other types of gas anesthetics, such as halothane are still in use. Isoflurane currently is the safest, with the least chance of generating a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia or causing liver disease, both of which may be seen (rarely) with halothane. Most ferrets, even with severe disease, will go down quickly with isoflurane, and come up within 5-10 minutes. No other premedications are necessary [unlike for the injectable ketamine].

I would not use a vet who used injectable anesthetic for surgery - chances are much higher for overdosing. The effects of injectable anesthetics are extremely unpredictable in the ferret, and older ferrets are at risk for arrhythmia and cardiovascular shock.

How do I care for my sick or recovering ferret?

At first, your sick or recovering ferret will be a big drain on your time, energy, and humor. It's amazing how stubborn a sick ferret can be. If you're unfortunate enough to have a chronically ill ferret, you may find that she becomes easier to deal with after a while, as you both get used to her new routine and limitations.

You may have an assortment of medications for your ferret, whose schedule and doses might change according to her health. It's very important to keep a complete and accurate chart. Note how and when medicines must be given, and whenever you give medicines write them down and note the time. Keep information on side effects, when to skip doses, how to deal with missed doses or accidently doubled doses, which medicines should not be given close together, which must be shielded form light, and all other related information. Do not keep medications in a room which gets too hot, too cold, or too humid. Never give a laxative close to when you give a medicine. Be aware of side-effects and interactions; for instance, some medicines increase the chance of sunburn.

Pill cutters work much better than scalpels or other things, and a tweezers will also be handy. Keep in mind how different medicines must be given, and find the best way for each to minimize the stress to you and your ferret. Some must be given in ways which minimize the exposure to water or saliva. They are most easily given with a narrow pill gun such as your vet will probably carry, or mixed with a fatty gel like Nutrical. Liquids are pretty straight forward, but some ferrets get good at bring those up or spitting them out. If your vet or the manufacturer's research pharmacists say they may be given with fats try putting some Linatone or Nutrical on the ferret's nose and while she is licking that off squirting in the dose at the posterior side of the mouth. (Do not use a laxative such as Petromalt for these.)

You may need to cut down the sides of a litter pan for easy access, and folded towels can be used to make gentle ramps. For recovering ferret who is ready for play but isn't quite up to speed yet, put extra ramps, pillows, and climbing boxes around the room she'll be playing in, to make it easier for her to get into and out of boxes and jump down from furniture. (Be careful not to let her be more active than is safe, and always supervise her in play.)

Weak ferrets can't play normally, but they still enjoy encountering new things. Ruffle loved being carried for walks, being given herbs to smell (especially mints and basil), having the sun on her belly for short periods, listening to music (especially songs with her name), hugs and kisses, and other peaceful entertainments.

If your ferret has a reduction in smell try moistening a cotton puff or swab with a bit of perfume and putting it on the lower back above the tail, and behind the ears. That will keep it from sensitive areas but let the ferret enjoy the comforting status of having a ferret-proper level of smell.

If at all possible cancel your trips away. If not possible have a familiar, friendly, knowledgeable pet sitter such as a vet tech. Have a schedule, with some minor variations for interest, so that your pet knows what to expect. When your ferret has to be at the vet's office bring along a favorite toy or blanket which smells like home.

My ferret won't eat. What should I do?

You can add Nutri-Cal, Pedialyte, medications, and so forth to the baby food if your vet recommends them, and as your ferret's recovery progresses, you can mix in portions of his regular food, moistened somewhat, to gradually work him back to eating dry food on his own.

Sustacal and Ensure are sometimes recommended as short-term diets for very sick ferrets, possibly in a mixture such as "Duck Soup" but they aren't nutritionally complete and should never be used as the only long-term food for a non-terminal ferret. According to one report, Ensure has the preferred flavors, but is also more likely to cause diarrhea. The best solution seemed to be combinations of the two.

What's Duck Soup? Anyone have a recipe?

To really get the weight back on a sick ferret, some people have suggested giving him whipping cream. It doesn't have much nutrition, but it is full of calories and can help an underweight ferret gain some back.

The following comes from Ann Davis:

ACME Ferret Company --- The Original DUCK SOUP

For years, we have been trying to find a super formula to fatten up sick ferrets, oldsters and ferrets with ulcers. We have been looking for something high in calories and protein, with added vitamins. After trying just about everything on the market for pets, we had just about given up, and were making do with some things that were not quite perfect for the little guys, because everything made for cats that we could find had a condensed milk base.

[If your ferret is really sick, you may have to work your way through] all the steps, from full Sustacal to Duck Soup in caring for a sick ferret.

We have heard of many miraculous recoveries attributed to Duck Soup. It has helped old ferrets, ferrets with insulinoma, ferrets with hair loss, and ferrets who are just plain too sick to eat.

DUCK SOUP

1 can Sustacal (8 oz., or about 230 ml; it comes in a larger size too)
1 can water (8 oz., or about 230 ml)
2 scoops puppy or kitten weaning formula -- OPTIONAL
4 oz. (110 g? or ml?) dry kitten or ferret food, soaked in enough water to cover and soften it completely

[Sustacal is meant for humans; look for it by baby formulas or in the pharmacy section of your supermarket. Debbie Riccio says you can also use Ensure, Discover 2.0, or Just Born (puppy/kitten milk replacer).]

Mix thoroughly. We always nuke it for them to the temperature of baby formula. We serve about 4 fluid ounces at a time twice a day for maintenance; if your little guys eat too much and you feel they are getting fat, you can increase the amount of water. We have tried increasing the amount of dry food, but if it gets too thick some of them won't eat it. This formula also freezes well -- the Sustacal must be used within 48 hours if left only in the fridge.

What are normal body temperature, blood test results, etc.?

Rectal temperature   100-103 F (37.8 - 39.4 C), 101.9 average

Heart rate           216-250/min (225 average)

Respiration          33-36/min

Urine pH             6.5-7.5; mild to moderate proteinura is common and normal
Blood volume         60-80 ml/kg

                            mean    acceptable range
sodium (mmol/L)             153     143-163
potassium (mmol/L)          4.47    3.2-5.77
chloride (mmol/L)           116     105-127
calcium (mg/dl)             8.8     7.5-10.1
inorganic phosphorus (mg/dl) 5.5     3.7-7.4
glucose (fasted) (mg/dl)    110     65-164
BUN (mg/dl)                 21      8-37
creatinine (mg/dl)          0.5     0.16-0.84
BUN/creatinine              42
total protein (g/dl)        5.8     4.4-7.3
albumin (g/dl)              3.3     2.5-4.1
globulin (g/dl)             2.2     1.8-2.9
total bilirubin (mg/dl)     0.2     0.1-0.5
cholesterol (mg/dl)         174     76-272
alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) 37      15-75
ALT (IU/L)                  95      13-176
AST (IU/L)                  61      23-99
CO2                         22      14-30
A/G (g/dl)                  1.3     1.0-2.3
LDH                         274     101-498
triglycerides               98      31-101
GGT                         4.8     1-13
uric acid                   2.2     1.4-3.3
PCV (%)                     45.4    38-54
hemoglobin (g/dl)                   13-18
RBC (X10^6/mm3)             9.0     7.0-11.0
platelets (X10^3)           400     350-600
reticulocytes (%)           N/A
WBC (x10^3/mm3)             5.22    2.8-8.0
neutrophils                 3017    2329-5700
                            (59%)   (39-85%)
lymphocytes                 1157    525-3500
                            (35%)   (11-55%)
monocytes                   119     52-177
                            (2.6%)  (0.76-4.4%)
eosinophils                 133     29-432
                            (2.8%)  (1-8%)
basophils                   0       0
MCV (um3)                   51      46-65
MCH (pg)                    17.7    15.5-19.0
MCHC                        33      29-36 *

There are, of course, dozens of components in your ferret's blood which can help your vet determine what's wrong. Here are some of the ones people ask about most often, and normal ranges. If you want to know more about what your ferret's tests mean, don't hesitate to ask your vet.

The following information is extracted from an article in The FAIR [Ferret Adoption, Information & Rescue Society] Report, Vol. II, No. 2, by Mary Van Dahm, with a few additions.

Blood glucose

Glucose is a sugar, the main energy source for the body. Its level varies through the day, higher just after a meal, lower when the ferret is hungry, but the body keeps it fairly constant mainly by controlling the amount of insulin in the blood. A non-fasted blood glucose test might give values up to 207 mg/dl, depending on when the ferret last ate. Testing the blood glucose after withholding food from the ferret for 6 hours (fasting blood glucose) eliminates the variation and gives you a more definite number to judge it by. A low reading (hypoglycemia) may be a sign of insulinoma . A high reading (hyperglycemia) is rare, but might be a sign of diabetes. However, insulinoma can also cause a high glucose reading, and since diabetes is extremely rare in ferrets, you should double-check any diabetes diagnosis by looking for sugar in the urine as well.

Pack cell volume/hematocrit (PCV/HCT)

This is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Low readings indicate anemia; high readings are usually a sign of dehydration.

Red blood cells (RBC)

Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Low readings show anemia.

White blood cells (WBC)

Part of the immune system. Readings over about 7000 may mean the ferret is fighting off an infection, cold or flu. Readings over 10,000 may be early signs of lymphoma or another cancer. Unusually low readings indicate anemia and a bone marrow problem.

Lymphocytes

Another type of white blood cell. High readings can indicate a "smoldering" infection, possibly Helicobacter mustelae. Many, but not all, cases of lymphosarcoma also show elevated lymphocyte levels.

Eosinophils

Another type of white blood cell. Often an indicator of intestinal disorders, infection, or cancer. Other parts of the blood profile must also be considered for a diagnosis.

Protein, Albumin and Globulin

Albumin is a kind of protein, and globulin is a general term for all proteins that aren't albumin, so protein - albumin = globulin. The numbers indicate the ferret's general health and nutrition, and albumin also helps show how well the liver and kidneys are working.

BUN and Creatinine

The job of the kidneys is to filter out impurities, so if they aren't working well, these levels will be high.

Alkaline phosphatese

This is an enzyme found in the liver and bone. When bones are growing or the liver is damaged, lots of this is released into the blood.

Total bilirubin

A by-product of the normal breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Helps diagnose liver disease and bile duct obstruction.

Sodium, Potassium and Chloride

Controlled by the kidneys, these are commonly called blood electrolytes. They are involved in water balance, acid/base balance, and the transmission of nerve impulses, especially to the heart.

Calcium and Phosphorus

These minerals are controlled by the parathyroid glands and the kidneys. The levels show possible problems with bones, blood clotting, and nerve, muscle, and cell activity.

1. Wellness, Inc. How to Read Your Report, 1993
2. Finkler, M. Practical Ferret Medicine and Surgery for the Private Practitioner, 1993
3. Brown, S. Ferret Medicine and Surgery, 1992
4. Fox, JG. Biology and Diseases of the Ferret, 1988 *

What tests might my vet want to run, and why?

There is no one test for a general check-up. There are not even tests that are specific for some certain diseases. The following is a list of some example tests for common ferret diseases, but in case of some multi-systemic diseases (such as heart disease), they may not show all the abnormalities.

Tests that are specific for one disease

• insulinoma - resting blood glucose and insulin level (see the Ferret Insulinoma FAQ)
• hyper adrenal disease - the Univ. of Tenn. ferret adrenal panel (see the Ferret Adrenal Disease FAQ)
• ovarian remnant - estrogen
• urinary tract infection - urinalysis
• urinary bladder stones - x-ray
• bone fractures - x-ray

Tests that help determine a particular organ function

(may not be specific to cause, prognosis, etc.)

• heart disease - auscultation, x-ray, ultrasound (see the Ferret Cardiomyopathy FAQ)
• malignant lymphoma - physical exam, biopsy (see the Ferret Lymphosarcoma FAQ)
• masses - physical exam, biopsy
• spleen masses - physical exam, biopsy (see the Ferret Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen) FAQ)

The problem with biopsies is that you need to biopsy the correct tissue. That may not be possible such as some type of spinal cord or brain lesion. Intestinal diseases are easy to biopsy by surgical methods but that entails anesthesia (which may be risky to an ill ferret) and major abdominal surgery. So... you have a number of difficulties from the medical side to run a test for general health. Even if you can target a specific area, there may not be a definitive test and the owner needs to agree to costs, risks, etc.

The advice dispensed by myself is not meant to supplant the advice of veterinarians who are in charge of the patient. If the patient is not currently under the care of a veterinarian, the client is recommended to take their ferret to one.

Who makes this product or medication?

Alkeran - Burroughs-Wellcome Co.

Cytoxan - Bristol Meyers

Fervac D vaccine - United Vaccines Madison, Wisc. 53713 (608) 277-3030

Fromm D vaccine - Solvay Animal Health, Inc. Mendota Heights, Minn. 55120

Keflex Pediatric Suspension 100 mg/cc - Dista Products Co. Division of Eli Lilly, Inc. Indianapolis, Ind.

Lasix - Taylor Pharmacal Co. Decatur, Illinois 62525

Lysodren - Bristol Meyers

Nutrical - EVSCO Pharmaceuticals Buena, N.J. 08310

PDS II - Ethicon, Inc. Somerville, N.J. 08876-0151

Proglycem - Baker Cummins 800-347-4774

What books can I get or recommend to my vet?

Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents - Clinical Medicine and Surgery, by Elizabeth Hillyer and Katherine Quesenberry (1997)

Another good reference work, a bit outdated but still worthwhile for both vets and others, is

Biology and Diseases of the Ferret, by James G. Fox. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia (1988). ISBN 0-8121-1139-7.

There is also a series out by the

          American Animal Hospital Association
          12575 West Bayaud Ave.    
          Lakewood, CO  80228
          tel. 800-252-2242  

Are there any other useful references?

Lawrence HJ et al. Unilateral adrenalectomy as a treatment for adrenocortical tumors in ferrets: Five cases (1990-1992). JAVMA 203(2): pp 267-270, 15 July 1993.

Marini, RP et al. Functional islet cell tumor in six ferrets. JAVMA 202(3):430-434, 1 February 1993.

Rosenthal KL et al. Hyperadrenocorticism associated with adrenocortical tumor or nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal gland in ferrets: 50 cases (1987-1991). JAVMA 203(2):pp. 271-275, 15 July 1993.

Dr. Susan Brown recommends these, on a variety of subjects:

Blancou J, Aubert MFA, Artois M. Experimental rabies in the ferret (Mustela [putorius furo] Susceptibility - Symptoms - Excretion of the virus. Rev Med Vet 1982; 133(8-9): 553 557. (Translation by NIH).

Daoust PY, Hunter DB. Spontaneous aleutian disease in ferrets. Can Vet J 1978; 19: 133-135.

Forester, U., The adaptability of two rabies virus strains isolated in central Europe to one domesticated and two wild-living species. A contribution to the Epidemiology of rabies. Part 4: Transmission studies on ferrets with a rodent isolate. Zbl Vet Med B 1979; 26: 26-38. (Translation by NIH).

Fox JG, Murphy JC, Ackerman MS, Prostak KS, Gallagher CA, Rambow VJ. Proliferative colitis in ferrets. 1982; 43: 858-864.

Garibaldi ME, Goad P, Fox JG, Sylvina TJ, Murray R. Serum cortisol radioimmunoassay values in the normal ferret and response to ACTH stimulation and dexamethasone suppression tests. Lab An Sci 1988; 38: 452- 454.

Hoover JP, Baldwin CA, Rupprecht CE. Serologic response of domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) to canine distemper and rabies virus vaccines. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1989; 194: 234-238.

Johnson-Delaney C, Nelson W. A Rapid procedure for filling fractured canine teeth of ferrets. J of Small Exotic Animal Medicine 1992; 3: 100-102.

Kawasaki, T. Retinal Atrophy in the ferret. J of Small Exotic Animal Medicine 1992; 3: 137.

Kociba GJ, Caputo CA. Aplastic anemia associated with estrus in pet ferrets. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1981; 178: 1293-1294.

Kreuger KL, Murphy J C Fox J G. Treatment of proliferative colitis in ferrets. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1989; 194: 1435-1436.

Liberson AJ, Newcomer CE, Ackerman JI, Murphy JC, Fox JG. Mastitis caused by hemolytic Escherichia coli in the ferret. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1983; 183: 1179-1181.

Luttgen PJ, Storts RW, Rogers KS, Morton LD. Insulinoma in a ferret. J Am VetMed Assoc 1986; 189: 920-921.

Mainka CH, Heber L, Schneider W. Studies on rabies of ferrets after a singleantibodies vaccination, J Vet Med B 1988; 35: 24-28.

Manning D, Bell J. Lack of detectable blood groups in domestic ferrets: Implications for transfusion. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1990; 197: 84-86.

Nguyen HT, Moreland AF, Shields RP. Urolithasis in ferrets (Mustela putorius). Lab An Sci 1979; 29: 243-245.

Rupprecht CE, Gilbert J, Pitts R, Marshall KR, Koprowski H. Evaluation of an inactivated rabies vaccine in domestic ferrets. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1990; 196: 1614-1616.

Stauber E, Robinette J, Basaraba R, Riggs M, Bishop C. Mast cell tumors in three ferrets. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1990; 196: 766-767.