What do I do if my ferret has a seizure?
If your ferret is having seizures, you should not try to put anything in the mouth. Seek veterinary attention immediately. Routine blood glucose monitoring is an essential part of managing a ferret with insulinoma.
What can cause seizures in ferrets?
Seizures in ferrets are most commonly caused by hypoglycemia secondary to insulinoma, particularly in middle-aged and older ferrets. The other possible causes are an intracranial lesion, another metabolic abnormality, or an idiopathic condition.
Is it normal for ferrets to shake?
Ferrets do have some interesting behaviors and shaking is one of them. If she is shivering after waking up, eating or relaxing, then it is quite normal. The shivering behavior is a natural way to raise their metabolic rate and their heart rate after their previous burst of energy.
Is there a veterinarian that treats ferrets?
No matter where you live, finding a good ferret vet can be a challenge. And unfortunately, if you live in a rural area or a country where ferrets are simply not popular pets, you may find it a challenge to find a vet that even treats ferrets, much less a good one.
Is it bad to not have money for a ferret vet?
Not having enough money for a vet is not the ferret’s problem. When you got the ferret you should have made sure you had enough money for vet bills and all the other things a ferret needs in order to be happy and healthy. This is what responsible pet ownership requires.
What kind of cancer does a ferret have?
Insulinoma in ferrets can be caused by an insulin-producing adenoma (tumor on a gland) or an insulin producing adenocarcinoma. The first listed in benign, and the second is malignant (cancerous). How Common is Insulinoma in Ferrets? Insulinoma is very common in ferrets.
What should I do if my ferret has insulinoma?
Remember to look for foods with at least 40% protein and 20% fat content! You can also prevent Insulinoma by monitoring your ferret’s blood glucose levels regularly throughout their life. Veterinarians recommend you test your ferret’s blood glucose levels every 3-6 months when they are showing no signs of Insulinoma.
No matter where you live, finding a good ferret vet can be a challenge. And unfortunately, if you live in a rural area or a country where ferrets are simply not popular pets, you may find it a challenge to find a vet that even treats ferrets, much less a good one.
What to do if your ferret has insulinoma?
https://www.all-about-ferrets.com/insulinoma-in-ferrets.html You need to take it to a ferret vet and if it is insulinoma, then the vet will prescribe pred (prednisolone or prednisone (pills or liquid)) for it. It won’t cure the disease but will regulate it.
Not having enough money for a vet is not the ferret’s problem. When you got the ferret you should have made sure you had enough money for vet bills and all the other things a ferret needs in order to be happy and healthy. This is what responsible pet ownership requires.
What happens if a ferret has low blood sugar?
This leads to very low blood sugar. If a ferret’s blood glucose (blood sugar) levels fall to extremely low levels, the ferret can experience a seizure -with prolonged low blood glucose levels leading to brain damage and death. Insulinoma in ferrets a very scary disease when it is not managed properly!
Are seizures common in ferrets?
Seizures related to hypoglycemia, although quite common in the canine patient, are rare in ferrets. Clinical signs are often intermittent in nature and may not be evident at the time of initial evaluation and physical examination.
Why do ferrets have arched backs?
This “dancing” is commonly referred to as the “weasel war dance” that is used in the wild to confuse or disorient prey. When ferrets get excited they arch their backs, puff out their tails and begin to hop about to express their playfulness and enjoyment often making clucking sounds at the same time.
What can ferrets be used for?
Ferrets are a domesticated version of the European polecat. They have been used for hunting and pest control since ancient times and are still kept for this purpose today though are becoming increasing popular as pets.
