Ferrets are curious, adventurous, and a lot of fun to have at home. While this can be a busy pet that keeps you occupied, it may also be exhibiting some symptoms of illness, infection, or injury. Make sure you pay close attention and don't miss the following symptoms that it needs to go to the veterinarian.
The Ferret is Limping
A common symptom that your ferret has been injured is if it seems to be limping. The limp might be obvious, where it looks like there is a sprain or a fracture, or a more subtle sign. For example, the ferret might simply be walking slightly off, which is often a sign of pain or discomfort, but not necessarily a break. In either case, it is better to be on the side of caution and bring the ferret to a local vet. If you think it is a serious injury, an animal hospital is a better choice.
It is Exhibiting Symptoms of Dehydration
Ferrets, like other pets, need to have fresh and clean water at all times. If your ferret does not have access to water, it may be at a high risk of dehydration. Vomiting due to a stomach illness can also cause dehydration. If your ferret seems overly tired, weak, and has dryness of the gums, it might be dehydrated. Some other common signs of dehydration in ferrets include dull eyes, squinting often, lower urine output, and dry skin. Dehydration is considered an emergency situation so your ferret should be brought to a local animal hospital if you notice any of these signs.
You Notice Excessive Shaking
If you notice that occasionally your ferret begins to shake excessively or violently, it might be having a seizure. This may only happen every once in a while, or start to pick up in frequency and severity. The ferret might also start to scream at the same time it is shaking, which typically lasts seconds or minutes. The presence of seizures is a good reason to bring the ferret to the vet.
The Ferret is Showing Signs of Stomach Troubles
There are a few different signs that point to abdominal or intestinal issues. One sign is if the actual abdomen of the ferret seems tender. You will usually notice this is you touch the stomach and the ferret seems to be uncomfortable or whimper. This might be accompanied by other signs, such as vomiting or lethargy. It is often a sign that the ferret has eaten something toxic and needs to go to the animal hospital. It may also have a loss of appetite, which could be from a foreign object stuck in its stomach or other issues, such as kidney failure, infection, stomach ulcer, or liver failure.
To learn more, contact an animal hospital like Bayshore Animal Hospital & Bird Practice.