By Dr. Ellen Friedman
For the Times Herald-Record
Published: August 11, 2010
Ferrets are unique, fun-filled creatures. Owners swear by them and usually are "ferret-crazy" — tending to have three or four of the wiggly critters at a time.
Ferrets, as we say in the profession, are not small cats. They have very specific and special medical issues, and a good understanding aids owners in keeping their little friends healthy.
Watch for these diseases
Canine distemper virus can affect ferrets as well. This disease is fatal and is prevented (as in dogs) by a series of vaccinations early in life, and repeated throughout adulthood.
The human influenza virus can also be spread to ferrets. Signs are similar to those seen in human form: nasal discharge, fever, cough; occasionally a rash is noted. If you have been ill with the flu and your ferret thereafter shows signs of feeling poorly, your exotic veterinarian should be consulted. Treatment is supportive (IV fluids, antibiotic injections), and most ferrets will recover.
Make sure your female is spayed
While most female ferrets are spayed very young, occasionally we see a jill with aplastic anemia, a very serious and potentially fatal disease caused by high levels of estrogen in the unspayed pet. Fortunately, this problem is easily avoided by buying only a female that has already been spayed.
In a future article, we will talk about several forms of cancer relatively common in ferrets. I welcome your questions on this charming species at
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Dr. Ellen Friedman is in general practice, with an interest in geriatric feline medicine, at Newburgh Veterinary Hospital and All Creatures Veterinary Hospital in New Paltz. E-mail her at
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