Ferret lumps need a veterinarian's check

Lumps and bumps are common on ferrets as they age, but their presence should never be taken for granted.

A ferret with a skin mass of any kind needs to see a veterinarian promptly to have the mass evaluated and possibly removed.

The veterinarian will start examining the mass by manipulating it to see its shape and how it's connected to surrounding tissue. The next step is for a needle to be inserted into the lump and some fluid removed for evaluation.

This procedure is not very painful and is usually done with the animal awake.

Because lumps in ferrets are often cancerous, the veterinarian will probably recommend that any mass that looks suspicious be removed while the animal is under anesthesia.

The mass will then be sent to a pathologist for further identification to help identify proper follow-up treatment.

- Dr. Marty Becker