4yr old spayed female ferret, bloated abdomen?

Question

She has been losing weight, but seemed happy enough and eating and drinking normally. In the last week she has developed a really swollen abdomen. Shes quite lethargic and is having a problem getting around with her big tummy. Have taken her to the vet today, but he didnt seem to know what it might be other than to worm her. She also lives with her siblings 1 male, 1 female, who are both fine. Any clues anyone please?

Answer 1

Worms are not common in ferrets and I echo the advice of seeking out a new vet. As mentioned there are many types of cancers that affect ferrets. Weight loss and lethargy can be associated with Insulinoma. Bloated abdomen can be associated with Cardiomyopathy, it can also indicate an enlarged spleen ...... As you can see it's really impossible to diagnose over the internet and the best advice I can offer is seek out a ferret knowledgeable vet.

Here is a link to different ferret vets around the U.S.
http://www.ferretuniverse.com/vets/vetlist.asp

Also, here is a great website that details many ferret illnesses.
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/

Best wishes and prayers for your little one!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

The vet should have done an x-ray to make sure that there are no masses, and checked for fluid in the abdomen. Since cancer is a problem in ferrets, and due to the age, you always have to think of that. The weight loss would point in that direction also.

Answer 4

I can't tell you what is wrong with your ferret (blockage??), but I can tell you that you need to call all the vets in the area to find another one. Don't try to find a "ferret-friendly" vet, find a "ferret-knowledgable" one. The new vet should give her an x-ray, if not an ultrasound to see if there is something blocking her intestines.

Answer 5

Ferrets are very prone to cancers. The symptoms you've described can be symptoms of various forms of cancer. I would strongly recommend you find another vet.