Ferrets are adorable, curious, and intelligent pets but like any creature, they have their fair share of ailments. Being an Animal Husbandry Technician certified, I have seen countless times where, if only we detected them on time, it would’ve been a matter of life and death.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the 10 Common Ferret Illnesses, their early indications, and some simple prevention measures to get your ferret in top shape and live a long, happy life.
10 Common Ferret Illnesses
1. Adrenal Gland Disease
Adrenal Gland Disease is among the most prevalent hormonal conditions identified in pet ferrets, particularly those over the age of 3. It is caused by overproduction of sex hormones as a result of hyperplasia, adenoma, or carcinoma of the adrenal glands.
Symptoms:
- Progressive hair loss, typically beginning at the base of the tail and moving towards the front
- Inflamed, itchy skin
- Enlarged vulva in females (even if spayed)
- Mounting or aggressive behavior in neutered males
- Muscle wasting and weight loss in advanced stages
Treatment:
- Medical management with hormone-modulating drugs like Deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin implants) or Leuprolide
- Unilateral adrenalectomy (removal of the affected adrenal gland) in extreme cases
Prevention Tip:
Studies show early neutering can cause adrenal disease. Use hormonal implants as an alternative to early spay/neuter whenever possible and do regular vet checkups.
2. Insulinoma
Insulinoma is a pancreatic tumor that causes excess insulin secretion and hence hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It’s one of the most common life-threatening conditions seen in middle-aged to older ferrets.
Symptoms:
- Weakness or collapse spells
- Staring blankly or being “spaced out”
- Ptyalism (excessive drooling)
- Seizures or twitching
- Hind limb weakness
- Lethargy after meals
Treatment:
- Prednisone or Diazoxide to control blood sugar levels
- Multiple small high-protein meals a day
- Removal of the tumors surgically may be an option, but tumors do recur
Prevention Tip:
There is no known prevention, but regular blood glucose checks in older ferrets enable the disease to be caught early.
3. Lymphoma (Lymphatic Cancer)
Lymphoma is a malignant cancer of the lymphatic system. It can happen in young kits (in its acute form) or older ferrets (in its chronic form). It can affect the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
Symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes (especially under the jaw or at the hind knees)
- Slow or sudden weight loss
- Pale gums (anemia)
- Shortness of breath if the lungs or chest are involved
- Loss of appetite and energy
Treatment:
- Chemotherapy specifically for ferrets
- Steroids like prednisone for palliative treatment
- Supportive care to minimize discomfort and secondary infections
Prevention Tip:
There is no known prevention, but early veterinary consultations at the first sign of swelling or weight loss can improve outcomes.
4. Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies
Ferrets are inquisitive and enjoy chewing soft or rubbery items like foam, rubber bands, erasers, or shoe soles. This can lead to life-threatening intestinal obstructions.
Symptoms:
- Vomiting or frequent retching
- Grinding of teeth (sign of abdominal pain)
- Lack of stools or very thin, small stools
- Depression and loss of appetite
- Pawing at the mouth (sign of nausea)
Treatment:
- Immediate abdominal X-rays or ultrasound to confirm blockage
- Emergency surgery to remove the blockage
- Fluid therapy and nutritional support post-surgery
Prevention Tip:
Ferret-proof your home! Soft rubber, foam, sponges, and children’s toys need to be out of reach and playtime monitored.
5. Dental Disease
Dental disease is prevalent in older ferrets, particularly those being fed soft or sweet foods. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, tooth root abscesses, or periodontal disease.
Symptoms:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Pain when eating or chewing
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Red or bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
Treatment:
- Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia
- Tooth extractions in severe cases
- Antibiotics if infected
Prevention Tip:
Feed a well-balanced ferret kibble, no sugary treats, and offer safe dental chews. Annual oral exams are a must.
6. Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE)
Also known as “green slime disease,” ECE is a viral gastrointestinal illness induced by a coronavirus. It is very contagious and especially severe in adult ferrets.
Symptoms:
- Bright green, slimy diarrhea
- Severe dehydration
- Lethargy and quick loss of weight
- Vomiting (in some cases)
- Refusal to eat
Treatment:
- Aggressive fluid therapy (oral or IV)
- Nutritional support through hand-feeding or syringe feeding
- Antibiotics to prevent secondary infection
- Probiotics to recolonize the intestine
Prevention Tip:
Quarantine new ferrets for at least 14 days before introducing them to your other pets.
7. Heart Disease
Ferrets may develop cardiomyopathy, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle is enlarged and weakened. This typically happens in ferrets over 3 years old.
Symptoms:
- Coughing or gagging
- Labored or rapid breathing
- Lethargy and poor exercise tolerance
- Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
- Pale or bluish gums
Treatment:
- Heart medications like furosemide, enalapril, or digoxin
- Low-sodium diets
- Periodic heart ultrasounds (echocardiograms)
Prevention Tip:
Offer yearly wellness examinations with chest auscultation and consider cardiac screenings for ferrets over 4.
8. Ear Mites
Caused by Otodectes cynotis, ear mites are small parasites that live in the ear canal. They are very contagious from pet to pet.
Symptoms:
- Extreme scratching of ears and head
- Crusty, dark brown or black ear discharge
- Tilting or shaking of the head
- Scabs behind the ears
Treatment:
- Topical medications like selamectin or ivermectin
- Thorough ear cleaning
- Treat all animals in contact to prevent reinfestation
Prevention Tip:
Clean ears weekly and check for debris. Regular grooming detects infestations early.
9. Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV)
ADV is a parvovirus that infects the immune system, leading to chronic illness and death. It’s transmitted through saliva, urine, feces, and even bedding.
Symptoms:
- Wasting and weight loss over time
- Weakness in hind limbs
- Enlarged spleen
- Lack of coordination
- Blood in stool in later stages
Treatment:
- No cure treatment focuses on supportive care and immune system management
- Medications and high-protein diets to reduce inflammation
Prevention Tip:
Test all new ferrets prior to bringing them into your household. Keep known-positive ferrets isolated to avoid transmission.
10. Heat Stroke
Ferrets are not tolerant of heat, and temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can be fatal. The fact that they cannot sweat much makes them very vulnerable.
Symptoms:
- Open-mouthed breathing or panting
- Drooling
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Weakness, staggering, or collapse
- Seizures in severe cases
Treatment:
- Move ferret to a cool location immediately
- Bathe paws and belly with cool (not cold) water
- Offer small amounts of cool water or electrolyte solution
- Seek immediate veterinary care
Prevention Tip:
Keep your ferret’s surroundings well-ventilated and cool. Never leave them in a hot room or car, even if it’s just for a little while.
Final Thoughts: Ferrets are wonderful companions, but they have a strange biology that demands careful attention. Paying attention to early signs and having a close relationship with a well-informed vet can be the difference between life and death. Keep your ferret’s environment clean, their diet nutritious, and their health in check to ward off these widespread diseases.
Dr.Vala Siddharajsinh Raysinhbhai is a certified Animal Husbandry Technician, holding a diploma from Kamdhenu University, India. His expertise covers livestock breeding, nutrition, disease control, and animal welfare. Passionate about rural veterinary care, he actively contributes to animal health awareness and sustainable livestock management through both fieldwork and educational content.
