Ferret Diseases

Links of Interest:

Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis
Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE)

Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE)
E.C.E

Ferret Diseases
Listed below is a summary of ferret diseases and contain a general overview to give pet owners an idea of what these disease are and what symptoms to be on the look out for in their ferrets. They are in no way complete to cover all aspects of the illnesses. For more extended information, check health links on the left side of this page and on the ferret information page .
If you are concerned your ferret is ill, take your ferret to the vet ASAP!!

Insulinoma
Is a common life threatening disorder found in ferrets over three years of age. This occurs when cells in the pancreas become abnormal and cause an overproduction of insulin. This causes the ferret's blood sugar drop often to life threatening lows. If your ferret is diagnosed with insulinoma, constant surveillance is essential as intervention is needed as soon as possible with the first sign of low sugar symptoms.

Symptoms
Staring blankly off into space, weight loss, lack of appetite, lethargy, excessive salivation, weakness, seizures. At advance stages, you ferrets sugar level may drop so low he will be unconscious and unresponsive, in this case he will need to given sugar such as breakfast syrup.

Adrenal Disease
Is a life threatening condition that is found in middles aged or older ferrets. And occurs when tumors form on the ferret's adrenal glands, which causes an overproduction of sex hormones which can affect many of the ferrets internal organs.

Symptoms
The most common symptom of adrenal disease is hair loss which starts in the tail area then spreads gradually upward in a consistent pattern. Lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss. Difficulty urination in males. Enlarged vulva in females. Displaying sexual behavior, even in altered males.

Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV)
Is a highly contagious parvovirus and can be transmitted by feces or bodily fluids.

Symptoms
Symptoms include chronic weight loss, lethargy, hind leg weakness that can progress into paralysis, tremors.

Distemper
Is an airborne virus that is usually fatal in ferrets.

Symptoms
Loss of appetite, lethargy, rash on chin and lower belly , fever, runny nose.

Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis
(Also know as "green slime" disease)
Is a disease that causes infection and inflammation of the ferret's intestines.

Symptoms
This disease is marked by very green diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration.

Symptoms Of Other Ferret Diseases/ Illnesses

Urinary Stones
Difficult urination, blood in urine, vomiting, abdominal swelling or tenderness.

Cardiomyopathy
Fatigue, lack of appetite, fatigue, exercise intolerance, fainting.

Heat Stroke
Ferrets are vulnerable to excessive summer time heat and can easily succumb to heat stroke.
Disorientation, drooling, panting, bright red gums. As it progresses ferrets develop bloody diarrhea or vomit, stupor, coma.

Disclaimer: Stormy'z Place has no control over the contents of the information provided in offered links.
The information therein is not recommended as a substitute for veterinarian care and is for educational purposes only..
Please contact your vet regarding any health concerns about your pet.