What does it look like when a ferret has a stroke?
Panting is one of the best indicators of heatstroke. Other symptoms include lethargy, unconsciousness, drooling, vomitting, dizziness, and diarrhea. The ferret also may display overly red gums and tongue. If you suspect heat stroke, slowly bring your ferret’s temperature down by bringing him someplace quiet and cool.
What happens when ferrets get old?
You may notice changes in your ferrets skin, fur and nails. The coat can become course or start thinning and their skin can become dry. Often older ferrets will develop thicker nails on their back feet and you may notice the nails become brittle and the pads of the feet become harder.
Can ferrets have ice cubes?
A gentle misting with water can cool down your ferrets. Put some ice cubes in a dish; your ferrets can play and keep cool too.
What are the most common causes of death for ferrets?
NEOPLASIA (CANCER) Cancer is currently the most common cause of illness and death of the ferret. Approximately 70 – 90% of all ferrets will develop some kind of cancer in their lifetime. Older ferrets, especially, seem prone to cancers; and multiple cancers are common in ferrets over 5 years of age.
How old do ferrets have to be to have heart problems?
This is a condition that is usually seen in ferrets over 3 years of age. It consists of either the thinning or the thickening of the walls of the heart. This affects the blood flow through the heart.
How old does a ferret have to be to have cataracts?
Cataracts may affect one or both eyes, but the latter is most common. Ferrets may develop juvenile or geriatric cataracts. Juvenile cataracts generally show up before the ferret is one year old. This is thought to be a hereditary condition.
What happens to a ferret when there is too much estrogen?
This condition occurs when high levels of estrogen are produced during the “heat” cycle and suppress the production of red and white blood cells in the bone marrow. Advanced cases are irreversible and death occurs from the severe anemia and secondary bacterial infections that set in.
Why are older ferrets more susceptible to heat stroke?
Levy mentions that older ferrets are far more sensitive to heat and cold. While they enjoy sleeping next to a radiator in the winter, care should be taken to keep them cool in the summer. “They are more susceptible than young ferrets to heatstroke,” and should not be kept in temperatures over 85 degrees.
How can you tell if a ferret is having a stroke?
Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, is an all-too-common problem for pet ferrets. Ferrets are unable to sweat to regulate their body temperatures, and must be kept in temperatures below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Panting is one of the best indicators of heatstroke.
When to take a ferret to the veterinarian?
Be careful not to chill the ferret too much; if the ferret begins to shiver, stop the cooling process. Do not delay taking your ferret to the veterinarian if you suspect that it suffering from heat stroke.
What kind of problems does a ferret have?
Learn more. Ferrets have several unique problems; understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care problems. During a physical examination, your veterinarian may palpate or feel an enlarged spleen, especially if your ferret is an older pet.