Ferret Health Issues

[Reptilian]

Hey all-

I put my reading on hold for ferrets about 4 months back. I was scared out of owning one due to a post I read on a ferret board. It was a medical post in which the owner paid over 4 grand in bills for 1 ferret, one bill. I don't remember if it was a young or old ferret, but 4 grand is a lot. At least in my book.

So my question is, how prone to illnesses (cancer, ECE, adrenal disease, respiratory infections, injuries, gastrointestinal blockages) are ferrets?

Is it a poor husbandry thing or what?

Thanks much!

[Reptilian]

*bump*

[PythonChick]

I don't have a ferret myself, but I work in a vet office. Most of the ferrets we see are older, and it is my impression that as they age they are rather prone to a variety of illnesses like adrenal disease and cancers. Most of the ferrets with problems we see are older. I believe it is less a husbandry issue and more a genetics thing. I would recommend reading Ferrets for Dummies. I read it a while back when my room mate got her ferrets and it is very informative.

[Reptilian]

Cool thanks. Yeah I actually picked that up at the library about 4 months ago and never finished the book. That's really helped with my decision.

[BulldogBalls]

I've never had ferrets with serious health issues, even as they aged. BUT yes as they age they do tend to develope various disorders and illnesses including cancer and adrenal disease etc. Any medical treatment tends to be expensive for ferrets because they are so small and considered exotic pets which fewer vets are qualified or willing to work with.

Any animal can become ill and have major vet bills. Dog hit by car? Wow that is expensive.. cat have bladder stones? Also expensive. You have to gauge your want of the animal and the potential for problems before deciding. For me, when it comes to small animals like ferrets, rats, chinchillas, etc when they become quite ill their quality of life really plummets and it is often better to have them humanely put down than subject them to numerous medical treatments, stress, pain, discomfort, and fear just to have them around for another year or two. Ferrets bounce back surprisingly well from various things but its the same as any animal, it isn't so much about the money as it is what you are willing to put yourself and your pet through and what kind of life you both will have if treatment is successful.

JMHO I love ferrets and currently have 3. I don't worry about illness or cancers because I keep them well. What happens, happens and I will deal with anything as it comes at me.