You don’t need a medical degree for ferrets. But as a pet owner, you must be well acquainted on the ferret health problems underlying your black ferret’s medical condition. There are some illnesses unique only to black ferrets. And yet others which also occur in other members of kingdom Animalia.
Let’s dive right in.
Ferret Health Problems linked to the Black Ferret
If you are a concerned owner of a black ferret, here is a guide that can help you become well-versed on the different ferret health problems that could happen to your black ferret.
Rabies
Ferrets get paralyzed in their hind legs when they have rabies, and just like any other mammal, it’s something that humans must watch out for especially if they get bitten by a ferret.
But there are particular chemicals that when placed on the ferret will not allow them to secrete the rabies virus from their saliva. But this is something that needs to be done when the ferret is still a kit.
Neural Tube Defects
Of the ferret health problems the neural defect is a bit of an endemic condition which involves a deformed ferret skull. This can also affect the tissue of the brain and the spinal column.
Retardation is imminent. There are also growth defects to ferrets which have this condition and they manifest as early as its birth. The loss of neural tissue may even be highly graphic and unpleasant.
Helicobacter mustilae and Gastric Ulcers
Old ferrets (four years and up) are prone to this condition. It is commonly known in human terms as gastric ulcers.
Recently discovered, it has taken the lives of many ferrets and posed as one of the dangers that pet owners must consider when having a pet ferret. Peptic ulcers may also result after a long term untreated state leading to more ferret health problems.
Megaesophagus
The esophagus of the ferrets dilate and may sometimes cause bronchopneumonia in some cases. Like dogs and cats who have it, ferrets who have megaesophagus are also at high risk of acquiring the candido infection.
Enteritis and Intestinal Parasites
Even ferrets run the risk of having parasites roam in their systems. And this is exactly what happens when they get inflicted with enteritis, particularly of the eosinophilic variety.
This disease causes male ferrets of 1 year or younger to waste away. It is also closely linked to other diseases and ferret health problems, though there is really no tangible evidence of them.
Ferret Health Problems include Canine Distemper
Lesions and a deadly virus characterize the ferret health problems related to canine distemper. Any ferret afflicted with this illness is sure to die and perish miserably.
Treatment is really not an option since the only available things in the market today for this would be a vaccination which is more of a preventive measure. The thing with canine distemper is that it causes lesions and weakens your ferret until it dies.
Ferret Health Problems and Colic
Irregular bowel movements may also harm your pet ferret. Only few in a ferret colony get this kind of disease but their discharges often reek of blood and mucus. Inside the body the epithelial tissues get thicker, altering the whole ferret body system completely.
Dental Disease
Like humans, the black ferrets’ dentures are exposed and are at risk for some diseases and other ferret health problems. The canine tips, for one, are most highly at risk since it is the most exposed and most used.
Malformations in the teeth shape, discoloration of the entire set of teeth and broken teeth are just some of the examples.
More Prepared
Now that you are aware of these potential ferret health problems facing the black ferret you will be more prepared to spot them and seek treatment for them accordingly when possible.
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