Below are the most common ferret-specific diseases. Always consult a veterinarian with ferret experience if you suspect any of these conditions. More detailed information per disease can be found at tinekededen.nl.
Insulinoma
An insulinoma is a small tumour of the pancreas that produces insulin. This has the opposite effect of diabetes: a blood sugar level that is too low due to excess insulin.
The condition is regularly missed by owners of older ferrets, because the symptoms (lethargy, weakness of the hind legs, foaming at the mouth) are confused with normal ageing.
Treatment: lifelong with diazoxide/proglicam and a low dose of prednisolone.
More information: tinekededen.nl/fretten/ziekten/insulinomen
Adrenal Tumours
Adrenal tumours occur at an older age in approximately 5% of ferrets. One or both adrenal glands undergo tumorous degeneration and begin producing excessive amounts of sex hormones.
Symptoms: hair loss on the lower back, increased itching.
Treatment: a Suprelorin implant that can only be placed by a veterinarian. After approximately four weeks, a beautiful coat will grow back.
More information: tinekededen.nl/fretten/ziekten/bijniertumoren
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is one of the most common forms of cancer in ferrets. It is a proliferation of white blood cells that can develop in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver or intestines. You can detect it by feeling swollen lymph nodes in the neck and groin.
The severity and progression depend strongly on the age of the animal and the location of the tumour.
Treatment: via the veterinarian with a low dose of prednisolone.
Helicobacter
Helicobacter is a bacterium that every ferret carries in its stomach as standard. Most ferrets are not bothered by it, but if a ferret loses weight and begins eating poorly, the bacterium must be treated.
Treatment: antibiotics combined with a stomach protector.