FERRET HUSBANDRY AND DISEASE
Introduction
As peoples lifestyles change and our experiences of the wider world expand, people are moving towards more exotic pets. One of these is the ferret. A common pet in the United States, ferrets are rising in popularity in Australia. However, this popularity is not accompanied by an expanding knowledge base and there is a paucity of information available to the ferret enthusiast. Within the veterinary world also there is limited knowledge and acceptance of ferrets yet a number of veterinarians are making use of their scientific background to investigate ferret health and disease.
At the Sugarloaf Animal Hospital, we have a special interest in all exotic pets and so as part of our committment towards education, our staff have attended seminars and training programs in ferret husbandry and medicine.
History, physical characteristics, and management
The ferret is a native of Africa, and belongs to the Mustelid family. This group includes minks, skunks, weasels and stoats (which run feral in New Zealand). Ferrets come in three colour variations: sable with dark brown guard hairs and a black mask; albino with cream coat and pink eyes; and cinnamon with beige guard hairs and no mask. Other colour variations may be seen as derivatives of the sable, including Siamese, silver mitt, and butterscotch. Their body weights vary with the heavier male (hobs) 1-2 kg and the females (jills) averaging 800grams.
Their normal body temperature is 38-40°Celcius. Their heart beat is normally very rapid, up to 250 beats per minute. Most ferrets will live 5-8 years.
As all mustelids do, ferrets have a well developed odour which is produced by their anal glands and from sebaceous glands in the skin. Because of the risks associated with descenting (technically difficult surgery and risks of post operative faecal incontinence) and the persistence of odour from skin, odour removal is best acheived by desexing. Desexing is especially important I females, as jills that are not bred can develop prolonged oestrous cycles and suffer from fatal suppression of bone marrow. Treatment relies upon blood transfusions hormonal therapy and emergency speying.
Ferrets have a poorly developed large intestine and cannot digest fibre. They require a protein content of 25-30% in the diet. Frequent small feeds of a good quality protein, high fat, low fibre diet are necessary. The best, most convenient and readily available food is Hills Science Diet Kitten dry food.
Do not feed poor quality cat or dog food such as supermarket brands as these are usually inadequate.
In order to help prevent dental disease it is recommended to feed a small raw meaty bone weekly. The feeding of raw bones although part of a natural diet is controversial as they can be associated in a very small number of animals with bacterial gastroenteritis, constipation, intestinal obstructions and perforations. An alternative is to feed an artificial bone such as ‘Greenies’ which are a chlorophyll based dental chew aid. These however, may not be readily accepted by ferrets.
Common Ferret Diseases
Ferret kittens should be vaccinated against canine distemper at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age. Booster vaccinations are required annually. There is a risk of reaction to the vaccines and this can vary from a mild lethargy to a severe collapse. This problem is avoided by use of particular vaccines and a short period of observation of the ferret after vaccination.
In the United States, ferrets are also vaccinated against rabies. Ferrets are not susceptible to feline enteritis, cat flu or canine parvovirus infection. They rarely get worms but may suffer from coccidia, a single cell parasite of the intestine.
Heartworm is a problem in ferrets and all ferrets, should be on heartworm prevention similar to dogs and cats. A monthly preventative is available. Diagnosis of heartworm infection in ferrets is difficult and “prevention is the best cure”.
Ferrets are prone to ear mites and their ears should be cleaned thoroughly. If a ferret is found to have ear mites, then all animals, in the household dogs and cats included, must be treated. Similarily fleas may be a problem and complete flea control in a house will require treatment of the ferrets. Advantage and Frontline would be a suitable monthly flea preventative. Alternatively Revolution will cover fleas, heartworm and ear mites as a single once a month treatment.
Ferrets may suffer from dental disease and when calculi or tartar form on teeth, your ferret should have a dental check up and possibly a scale and polish.
Ferrets are considered to be geriatric after 4-5 years and are prone to tumours of the pancreas or the adrenal glands. The good news is that once diagnosed and surgically removed, most ferrets can live out a disease-free life. Young ferrets have a propensity to ingest things indiscrimanetly. They often suffer from foreign body obstruction of the bowel – a potentially life threatening condition. Gastrointestinal diseases are also fairly common in ferrets.
Visits to the Veterinarian
Ferrets are keen to escape so should be brought to the veterinary clinic in an escape proof cage or box. A ferret should visit the veterinarian as a kitten for vaccinations then annually till 4 years of age then every 6 months thereafter. This level of surveillance allows the early detection of disease and ensures a healthy, prolonged life.
A visit to the veterinarian will start with discussing the presenting problem or in routine visits, a review of basic health care. Then a detailed history will be collected, followed by a complete physical examination. If all is well then the vaccination can be given. In sick ferrets, if a diagnosis is not forthcoming, we may recommend laboratory testing of the blood or other tissues, or admission to hospital for radiology. Our aim is to arrive at an accurate and precise diagnosis quickly and expeditiously to enable the most appropriate therapy plan to be devised and administered. Without this information, it is difficult to advise what the best course of treatment may be, let alone predicting the likely outcome.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Vaccinate as kitten and then annually
2. Heartworm prevention monthly
3. Flea control monthly
4. Feed Hills Feline Science Diet Kitten dry food
5. Annual check ups till 4 years of age
6. 6 monthly check ups after 4 years of age
7. Desex all ferrets
8. Seek veterinary attention early if you suspect a problem
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