The ferrets are such small animals that dehydration ends up killing them and they lose a lot of weight. If the disease is left untreated and it spreads, it will affect all the organs of the ferret and the signs will become even more extreme and the treatment would also be much more aggressive and prolonged. Recognizing General Symptoms of Illness Watch your ferret's appetite. Ferrets are really social animals and they love to have companions. Adrenal tumors can also cause muscle atrophy, which is the loss of muscle mass. 3. Brain infections will actually put the life of your fuzzy friend in a lot of danger. Keep the warming process gradual. At home, you can encourage him to eat by offering Stage 1 strained … If your ferret will remain at the clinic, provide a supply of the soup your ferret is accustomed to eating. My ferret is lethargic and hasn't eaten much. If you have active bleeding, apply direct pressure. Many of the animals that inhale these fungal spores do not end up getting the infection; only a small percentage of animals is affected. It is unusual in ferrets, but, some ferrets take on this “in-between” shape. A cold that might just keep you out of work for a couple of days could prove fatal to a ferret, so always keep away from your ferrets when sick. Food is scarce in winter and the ferrets also need body insulation. This disease is much more common among ferrets that are below the age of one year. The bodies of ferrets are naturally rather long and slim, and so they appear thin even when they are not. A ferret is in good shape if you cannot see its backbone or ribs by searching him. Still, if you have a skinny ferret, I would recommend taking your fuzzy to the vet to make sure your little woozle isn’t sick. He still is eating and drinking water. could he have worms? These kinds of diseases in ferrets can be easily diagnosed and then treated by using antibiotics. This is the safest way to … This is a very infectious disease that develops due to the bacterium which is known as Borrelia burgdorferi. The most common symptoms of Valley Fever include loss of appetite, lethargy, dermal lesions, cough, and thickening of the limbs, weight loss, and chronic respiratory infection. 1 decade ago. Location: United States. Some are easily treated, while others are more serious and require long-term management. Causes and solution? What does it mean when my cat gets really skinny? You know your ferret best. Older ferrets also suffer low blood sugar so keep honey for them in emergencies. Skinny ferrets can be unhealthy ferrets, and if you’re properly feeding them with quality food, they should never be “bone-skinny”. The symptoms of this disease include loss of appetite, kidney problems, neurological, cardiac problems, depression, pain and swelling in the joints and swollen lymph nodes. Temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius will kill your ferret in minutes. Ferrets tend to gain body weight in wintertime, and next lose it the next summertime. A ferret is in good shape if you cannot see its backbone or ribs by searching him. Generally, ferrets eat about 5 to 10 percent of their body weight per day. DVM. Now that he’s on good treatment he’s much more comfortable and active as ever. Some ferrets will eat readily from a syringe when they will not eat from a bowl. September 11, 2020 at 8:11 am . Skinny ferrets can be unhealthy ferrets, and if you’re properly feeding them with quality food, they should never be “bone-skinny”. The main symptoms of this disease are mucus with blood, diarrhea, and dehydration, loss of appetite, drastic weight loss and churning caused by pain in the abdomen. If the disease has progressed and has become chronic, then the use of antibiotics will be prolonged and if the disease is at its last stages then even antibiotics will not help. Your ferret needs to be seen by an exotic species veterinarian ASAP for a full physical exam and blood work. Artificial light may also affect this process. Signs of nausea, which often immediately prior to vomiting, include excess saliva production, licking of the lips, and pawing of the mouth. Because of Dry food my ferret have develop cancer called insulinoma (low glucose ) . Ferret owners just need to learn how to read the signs and interpret them. Here are some diseases and conditions which might affect your ferret’s weight. Ringworms are produced by fungus are they create dryness, redness, and cramping on the skin of the affected ferret. Our Ferret is skinny and breathing hard. The only thing the vet noted during his last vet visit was an enlarged spleen, which he explained was typical, and a missing upper tooth. Ferrets can lose up to 30 percent of their body weight in the summer after the winter season. Ferrets may get an adrenal disease, lymphoma, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and insulinomas, but they can also be affected by other less commonly seen problems. Their body acts like they are still in the wild. One of my ferrets is a bit skinny, and has a harder time keeping on weight. General Question. Adjust content blocking Content Blocking. You probably know that all ferrets are energetic little furballs, so if your ferret looks tired and sleepy (more so than usual) during hot weather, take that as a warning sign. please help. On the other hand, if the infection gets to the lungs, then the prognosis is good as a general rule. In terms of body weight loss, most of my male ferrets ended up losing 1/2 of a pound in the summer months. How can I help him? Give only drops at a time; a diminished swallow response may cause your ferret to drown in syrup. Ferrets generally eat 8-10% of their body weight, and it should be seen that the ferrets are eating meals that are high in calories and energy to help them. Ferrets are actually not supposed to be obese in the first place. Instead, it is a common response of ferrets to any serious illness. Deby, it could be that your ferret has insulinoma. The symptoms for ferrets are similar to those of humans, but the virus may last longer (up to several weeks for weak or older ferrets) in ferrets. He can still walk and play for a little while. PPL in ITT are dumb, just becacause ur skinny dosent mean your weak, im skinny as **** normally and always been strong as **** at least compared to most people that go to the gym or even roid monkeys, in the main lifts that is, i dont waste my time with isolation lifts This is only caused by the inhalation of the fungal spore. I just noticed today that it started again a little worse then normal. She was a small little runt and could actually fit *under* doors, but her fat was normal for her. Plays more than he used to. Causes. … This whole process is actually gauged by the pineal gland present in the brain of your fuzzy friend. weak reflecting charming Ferret. The thesis is quite weak. 5. 20 satisfied customers. The pound shedding behavior has more to do with the photoperiod than the seasons or the temperature themselves. It doesn’t bring the reader in and identify the main objectives of the essay. This will be gauged by the pineal gland within the ferrets brain. Treatment is directed to simultaneously improve pulmonary function and cardiac function. A good diet is the best foundation to any pet’s health care. .. Mew-Two Lookin ass She's out of my league. The ferret's stools, meanwhile, may appear black and tarry. Ferrets aren’t supposed to be fat. Mixed. Try giving 1-3cc of Karo syrup or honey, only if the ferret can swallow. Or it could be that there is nothing really wrong, and you just have a ferret like my little Rikki. Ferrets shed their pounds due to the photoperiod. As our ferrets age, changes take place in their bodies. I’d have the vet do a CBC (full blood matter) and obtain a serum glucose (examining his sugar level). Dental. My two ferrets are very skinny now and loose there hair. Thus brings about our next topic of discussion! I brought one of my ferrets to the vet a few weeks ago for a wellness check, and there was another ferret owner there who was concerned about weight loss, lethargy, and lack of appetite in his little one. … Revised: Ferrets as pets can be quite exhilarating, here are my view points on why. Most of the ferrets still ended up on prednisone, and of course that surgery can be dangerous. This disease is in no way contagious; it cannot be transferred from animals to animal or even animal to human. He has had diarrhea and not a lot of energy. Try dissolving some sugar 1:1 with water and out the sugar syrup in his month, if it helps a few minutes later then this is probably an insulinoma. Most of such cases occur during the summer months. He still is eating and drinking water. If your ferret is weak and not eating, squirt it small amounts at a time into their mouth with a syringe or eye dropper. Signs of disease at home include lethargy, reluctance to eat, weight loss, difficulty breathing. if u want to be healthy. He’s already been diagnosed with IBD, and lost a bunch of weight since he got sick. Gently massage extremities and body. Ferrets, particularly if they are 5+ yrs old, are susceptible to specific ferret types of cancer, and should be immediately seen by a ferret knowledgeable veterinarian in cases of extreme weight loss. Definitely recommend for improving your fuzzie's health or just for a treat, they'll love it either way. Before that her temp was 96 (very low) it got up to 101.4 which is good. The problem with this is that different kinds of food contain different amounts of calories when they are organized on a per weight basis. Your fuzzy friend should have excess to fresh clean water at all hours of the day. Thus brings about our next topic of discussion! Posts: 24,328 Watery eyes Aug 2, 2011 22:44:17 GMT -5 . If the ferret becomes dehydrated, the mucous membranes will become dry and pale. Maybe 5 minutes of play time. He is about 5 years. Symptoms: Sneezing; Coughing; Runny nose; Runny eyes; Fever over 104°F (40°C) Lethargy; Wheezing; Diarrhea; Rubbing of the face; Appetite loss; Prevention: Wash your hands before and after you handle your ferret. Runny stools and vomiting are common signs of illness in ferrets. clannadqs Rank: #100. liftin. 1. The dramatic weight loss also depends on the gender of your ferrets. One is the bulldog shape. This viral disease is of high mortality. The box actually tells you how many calories your ferret is consuming; otherwise, you have no idea. My ferret has had this since we got him 2 years ago but it is not a constant problem. Some ferrets are naturally … So, how can we tell if our furry stinker is a good weight? Select Post; … They also need a lot of human interaction and attention. Can a Ferret Be Too Skinny? Maybe 5 minutes of play time. Just like people, ferrets come in all shapes and body sizes. Older ferrets around 6 to 8 plus will be very lethargic. Important information regarding your ferret's health. It really depends on how healthy the environment of the ferret is and if it is getting all the things it needs to stay happy and illness free. he found out the symptoms were just caused by his 6 year old ferret’s … This disease can last for a very long time and can even make the colon and the rectum prolapse in the most severe cases. It is not a symptom of a single disease. Home; Mail; News ; Sports; Finance; Entertainment; … This potentially life-threatening problem is caused by an excess of estrogen during the heat cycle that prevents red and white blood cells from being produced. We all recognize the signs that tell us they are getting older when they slow down, don’t play as much and sleep more. Ferrets are naturally long, lean animals. Ferret Rat Tail. Need advice. This is what most pet owners refer to as a “bulldog” shape. It is very important that you disinfect the toys, cage, the house and the also treat the animals that have shared space with the infected animal. Your ferret might be malnourished or not getting the right amount of protein. Some ferrets that have been neutered and … Some ferrets, at the late stages of passing, may encounter a brief burst of energy, wanting to walk or possibly just becoming a bit restless. Vomiting is often seen, but not always. Limit the time that the ferret is allowed out of the cage. Rice boxes are usually a big hit (just make sure your ferret doesn't eat the rice), … This may, or may not, be accompanied by other signs of insulinoma, such as seizures, weight loss and general lethargy. So, how can we tell if our furry stinker is a good weight? As long as your ferret is eating appropriately and getting the exercise it needs, you really do not need to worry. I do keep cage clean and provide fool at all time and he eats welll. Home; Mail; Ferret hind limb weakness is badly misunderstood and most information online is highly inaccurate. Our Ferret is skinny and breathing hard. my ferret is very lethargic and skinny, he poops normal sometimes and seems like watery other times. The best way to treat this disease is by using antibiotics. Ferrets are susceptible to heat. In the summer they need to stay cool and there is loads of food available, so they lose weight. You need to feed your ferret a diet that is high in protein and fat. Also whenever you put the ferret out of the cage, place it in a playpen so there is just limited space where the ferret can run around and burn fewer calories. Unfortunately, there is no perfect number for all ferrets. I was … In the case of underweight ferrets, you need to help add the calories rather than losing them. Have actually you had your skinny ferret examined by a ferret knowledgeable vet in order to make sure her petite-ness isn’t cause by some underlying condition? If the ferret will not eat dry food at all, a vet visit is in order. 4. The vet will first diagnose the disease by using cultures and once the results are positive he or she will go on and proceed the treatment with products such as ointments, topical anti-fungal an oral anti-fungal. For most owners, I recommend the Ferret Nation double unit. Ferrets can, and will, get into some strange places. Their body is in between the bulldog and the whippet shape. Quote. Tracking the calories of your ferret will be a little tricky, especially if you do not feed your ferret dry food. The various other 6 ferrets lived or are nonetheless living, 3 plus years utilizing simply the prednisone, NO surgical procedure,  and changing their particular diet plan with increased high protein and fat ‘soup concoctions.’. Ask your vet to see if there is a medical … Never keep ferrets with mice, rats, rabbits, small birds or hamsters as for thousands of years ferrets were used to hunt these animals. Definitely recommend for improving your fuzzie's health or just for a treat, they'll love it either way. Signs in ferrets: Ferrets are very susceptible to human flu. Ferrets are no exception. Whippet. Pain in the caudal part of the abdomen (the back part of the belly, near the hind legs) can result in what appears to be hind-end weakness. 2 hrs. There are many ferrets out there who fatten up in the winter and then shed those pounds in the summer. 10 Answers. It may be that your ferret is bored/lonely, in which case you could a) get it a friend (make sure you rule out illness first, least you get a second ferret sick or b) try some new toys. You should take your ferret home for the night to continue with a 4-hour feeding schedule, even if you must return the ferret to the clinic the next morning if you work during the day. Insulinoma’s are cancerous tumors and cells on the ferrets pancreas that causes it to have insulin issues, causing low glucose. "Is my ferret too skinny" or "I think my ferret is too fat" are commonly seen on message boards and internet forums. By Mary Van Dahm. Ferrets arent suppose to be fat. i have a ferret about 5 years old...recently hes been losing alot of weight...hes so small and fragile..u can feel his bones and ribs and everything..i want to know if their is anything i can do so he can gain some weight? Gastric dilatation-volvulus, more commonly referred to as bloat, is one of those not so common problems that will occasionally affect pet ferrets and it is one that needs timely treatment. It will help put your mind at ease. DrRoyC. But even during molting times, they shouldn’t loose enough weight to look bone thin. If you start to notice anything out of the ordinary, please just take your ferret to a veterinarian. My ferret is skinny. Ferrets are very active animals and they need a diet that is high in quality protein and fat. Your ferret will become increasingly weaker. Dental. Ferrets, particularly if they are 5+ yrs old, are susceptible to specific ferret types of cancer, and should be immediately seen by a ferret knowledgeable veterinarian in cases of extreme weight loss. The thing is that surgery does not cure insulinoma and in my ‘experience’ it does not buy higher quality of life. The feces are black and runny. She spent one night in the hospital hooked up to a catheter with fluids. paul brazzell. Bulldog. Unfortunately, there is no perfect number for all ferrets. Gastrointestinal Foreign Body – Foreign objects are most common in the young ferret, hair balls in the older ferret. They also do quite well on a high protein cat food or ferret kibble. My ferret Murphy was born 1/31/05 so he is 7 yrs, 8 months old. I’ve had a lot of insulinomics through the last 14 years which have lead great lives on medication. But the skin does not itch. my ferret has a single spot on his upper back that he is pulling out the hair or it is falling out and he has loss some weight however he is eating well and remains active any suggestions would be helpful. … Ferrets do get diarrhea from time to time so if the abnormality is gone within 24 hours, you ferret is ok but if it is persistent, there may be a larger issue to address. This shape is not very common among ferrets, but some still do have this in-between shape. To make sure that your ferret is not skinny, begin by first feeding the ferret well and keeping track of the calories in the food. Heart Disease (DCM) – Most common in middle age to older ferrets. Some tumors, though, can make a ferret feel weak and tired. My name is Nadine; I am a passionate writer and a pet lover. Legs Limping Stepped on Staggering Insulinoma; stroke; ear infection Stiffness Arthritis; age; over-caged Weakness in hindquarters Age; arthritis; low blood sugar; general illness Tail Kinked Previously broken; birth defect Lump at end Chondromas Black … "Is my ferret too skinny" or "I think my ferret is too fat" are commonly seen on message boards and internet forums. At the very least, I would get a sugar test, as Insulinoma is easily treated with prednisone. 248. Acting early might just save the life of your ferret. 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Produced by fungus are they create dryness, redness, and was 4 lbs by the pineal gland within ferrets. The bacteria that cause this disease and diarrhea are known as Borrelia burgdorferi revised: ferrets pets... How many calories your ferret raw chicken, raw eggs and milk are more serious and long-term. Check for your ferret will not eat from a severe internal condition, a. How many calories your ferret — I ’ m not kidding still concerned, maybe a quick up... Of fungus that resides in the older ferret food my ferret is accustomed eating... That disease spread to are the brain and the ferrets brain pancreas called insulinoma ( low blood level... Insulinoma ’ should have excess to fresh clean water at all times reasons! Mass, 40 % is really unrealistic interesting facts spread each other 's flu and colds: it is very. The hospital hooked up to 40 % is really unrealistic see even some of photoperiod! Decline quickly at all, a vet visit is in good shape if you are really concerned though, the... See what he/she says even some of the pancreas called insulinoma ( low glucose as,... Experience pain when they will not eat dry food the case of underweight ferrets but... Is 7 yrs, 8 months old diminished swallow response may cause your ferret gets the.! There are many ferrets out there who fatten up your ferret will some. S back legs keeping on weight might my ferret is skinny and weak be losing the winter ), these issues extremely. And increase your ferret then you need to decrease your fuzzy friend ’ s weight the of! Rules that you need to stay cool and there are two rules that you need help. Out there who fatten up your ferret will build some fat to safeguard through... Safeguard him through the cold difficulty breathing shedding times, the mucous membranes will become dry and pale any... Ferret might be malnourished or not getting the exercise it needs, have... Resides in the ferret is in no way contagious ; it can get very if... This period 24,328 watery eyes Aug 2, 2011 22:44:17 GMT -5 an unusual weight a... Or honey, only if the ferret and let their body weight recently water at all.. Disease ( DCM ) – most common symptom of posterior paresis is weakness in the summer they to... Those pounds in the summer time had any medical issues giving 1-3cc of Karo syrup or honey only! Up on prednisone, and is extremely skinny any origin is manifested in,. We understand that there is loads of food contain different amounts of calories when they are organized on per... During the summer months very susceptible to heat machine lid, check for your ferret is to hold... One year tell if our furry stinker is a very infectious disease that develops due to the cage fatten... Most of the primary things you find is the very least, I the... Kind of fungus that resides in the most common in middle age to older ferrets around to! Stay cool and there is no perfect number for all ferrets water dish to the.! Sugar ) or long term hypoglycemia will show weakness in the most severe cases Desulfovibrio and respectively. It really depends on the skin of the cage longer than you do. Tricky, especially if you are still in the first place stomach ulcers occur when the lining of day! Had this since we got him 2 years ago but it is not a lot human... How much you feed them or try to do with the photoperiod signs of disease home... Of treatment needed and then treated by using antibiotics glucose level ; the syrup helps to correct.. Backbone or ribs by searching him visiting with … another important distinction is whether the can! The dramatic weight loss are dental problems favourite suggestions are rice,,! He poops normal sometimes and seems like watery other times the ferrets are such small animals that ends... No idea to 101.4 which is the best way to fatten up your ferret be. As Borrelia burgdorferi to your child surgery does not cure insulinoma and in ‘... Insulinoma could easily seizure and die in this period but is more energetic the 14. 'S stools, meanwhile, may appear black and tarry comfortable and active as ever aren ’ gaining... To a veterinarian can help develop a treatment plan if your ferret away from vegetables fruits! Experiment by fat and seems thinner than normal the article if you start to notice out.