a fecal sample checked for worms, and the ferret may be started on heartworm preventative. Like dogs and cats, ferrets need annual veterinary visits.
Once a ferret becomes 3 years old, a complete geriatric work-up, which includes an EKG, urinalysis, blood profile, and radiographs (X-rays) is necessary for the early detection of diseases so commonly seen in older ferrets, such as cardiomyopathy, cancer, insulinomas and hyperadrenocorticism.
What do ferrets eat?
Ferrets eat cat food or ferret food. Many brands of cat food are available for your ferret if you choose to feed cat food. Additionally, you have the choice of wet, dry, or semi-moist foods. Any of these diets will be enjoyed by your ferret. Keep in mind that your ferret "is what he eats", so try to feed him the best food possible, such as one of the premium foods your veterinarian might recommend.
Because ferrets can easily develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), they should be fed several meals throughout each day. This is most easily accomplished by leaving food available for them 24 hours a day.
Make sure fresh water is available at all times and changed daily.
Ferrets and treats
Be sure to check with your veterinarian first about what treats he or she might recommend. While obesity is not a common problem with ferrets, they certainly can become overweight if fed an abundance of high calorie treats.
Be sure to check with your veterinarian before you feed your ferret any people food. It is usually not recommended to offer ferrets people food, such as chips, cookies, or candy, as treats. This can contribute to problems such as an upset stomach, pancreatitis, obesity, bladder crystals and stones and in some instances (chocolate) can be fatal!
Ferrets and Cages
Due to their reputation as curious creatures and escape artists, ferrets should be housed in a carrier, which is securely closed and locked. A litterbox can be placed in the cage for elimination.
Towels can be used for bedding (as long as they are not being chewed up). Ferrets like to burrow, so the towels can serve this purpose or a container such as a shoe-box can be placed in the cage.
What do I need in the cage?
Food and water bowls are often left in the ferret's cage since they need to eat so frequently. Ferrets are naturally playful, it is not uncommon for them to spill their food and water. One might try a heavy ceramic crock (safe for eating and drinking) to prevent this, or a holder for the food and water bowls that easily attaches to the cage. Some owners construct a multi-level "apartment" for their pets; this can be done with wood or cardboard, as long as the ferrets don't chew and swallow the "flooring".
Don't forget the litterbox so that the ferrets can eliminate at will.
Ferrets are very sensitive to heat stroke. It is critical to keep their environmental temperature at or below 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 C), and make sure their "house" is well ventilated.
COMMON DISEASES
Common conditions of pet ferrets include diarrhea, intestinal foreign bodies, parasites, ringworm, and various kinds of cancer.
What signs do I look for?
Diarrhea is not a disease, but rather a sign of a gastrointestinal problem. Internal parasites can be a cause of diarrhea in ferrets. Viruses, although not common, can also cause diarrhea in ferrets. Helicobacter musteli is a spirochete-type of bacterium that causes ulcers and diarrhea in ferrets; similar spirochetes cause ulcers in people and dogs. Proliferative colitis is caused by a Campylobacter bacterium and is treated with antibiotics.
Intestinal foreign bodies are a common problem in ferrets, especially young ferrets less than one year old. Being curious creatures, ferrets commonly investigate, chew, and swallow many objects; most commonly rubber parts of shoes, furniture and mattress stuffing, rubber bands, erasers, and parts of dog and cat toys are chewed and swallowed. These obstructions are difficult to diagnose unless the owner observes the ferret swallowing the object or sees a piece of the object missing. They are often hard to identify on routine radiographs (X-rays). Common signs are the same as with many ferret diseases, and include lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and gradual body wasting. Vomiting of a severe, projectile nature is suggestive of a complete obstruction.
Like dogs and cats, ferrets can contract various intestinal parasites, as well as external parasites such as fleas. Yearly microscopic fecal examinations will allow easy diagnosis and treatment. External parasites, such as fleas, ticks, mange, and ear mites, can also infect ferrets. Your veterinarian can also rule out these problems.
Ringworm is occasionally seen in ferrets and usually manifests as a circular area of hair loss with slight scaliness along the periphery of the circle. Diagnosis can only be accurately made with a special culture of the skin, scales, and hair. It can be transmitted to other pets and to people, so care should be used in handling infected ferrets. Continued...