Noninfectious diseases of ferrets include those that are not caused by viruses, bacteria, or other infectious agents. Some of the more commonly seen noninfectious diseases include gastric foreign bodies, dilated cardiomyopathy, and kidney disease.
Foreign Objects in the Stomach
Because of their inquisitive nature, ferrets often swallow foreign objects that can become lodged in the stomach or intestines. Foreign objects are usually soft rubber or plastic items but can also be hairballs. Signs include:
loss of appetite
teeth clenching or grinding
excessive drooling
sharp abdominal pain
diarrhea
tarry black stool
Vomiting is more common with gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) than with foreign objects. Veterinarians use radiographs (x-ray images) to diagnose the problem. Surgery or endoscopy is usually required to remove the foreign object. Ferrets should be treated for inflammation of the stomach once the object has been removed.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy (heart disease) usually occurs in ferrets that are more than 4 years old. The walls of the heart become thinner, reducing its ability to pump blood. Signs can be similar to those of insulinoma, a tumor that causes the body to overproduce insulin. Your veterinarian should test for both problems. Signs include lethargy, weakness, and trouble breathing. Affected ferrets may also have an enlarged abdomen and decreased activity level. Radiographs and echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) are used to diagnose the disease. Medical treatment is based on the abnormalities revealed by echocardiography and is life-long, because medications cannot reverse the changes in the heart.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in ferrets is similar to that in other species. Kidney cysts are common in adult ferrets and usually do not cause a problem unless they are present in large numbers. Bladder stones can develop in ferrets fed diets high in plant proteins and are usually composed of crystals known as struvite. Specifically, ferrets fed diets containing pea protein, which, as carnivores, they cannot digest (and which is present in some diets meant for cats and dogs), typically rapidly develop bladder stones that cause urinary tract obstruction and resultant straining to urinate. These ferrets must undergo emergency surgery to remove these stones and re-establish their ability to urinate.
For More Information
Also see professional content regarding other noninfectious diseases of ferrets.
