Ferrets can suffer from a number of infectious diseases caused by bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections, many of which can be transmitted to other animals and humans.
The two most common bacterial infections in ferrets are caused by bacteria. Helicobacter mustela and Lawsonia intracellularis — The former is found in nearly all weaned ferrets.
Symptoms and types
Helicobacter mustela It usually presents as a sign of stomach ulcers or inflammation of the stomach (chronic gastritis), which in chronic cases may progress to stomach cancer (gastric lymphoma).
Other signs Helicobacter mustela Symptoms of bacterial infection include loss of appetite, vomiting, teeth grinding, diarrhea (dark stained (blood) stools), increased salivation, abdominal pain, lethargy, weight loss, and dehydration.
a Lawsonia intracellularis Bacterial infections can occur as a result of stress. Signs of this infection include diarrhea, weight loss, and rectal prolapse (when the rectum protrudes through the anus). Rectal prolapse (an enlarged mass in or around the rectum) can also damage the rectum or block bowel movements. This infection can also cause your ferret to develop intestinal disease.
process
After diagnosing the type of bacterial infection, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics for your ferret. Helicobacter mustela The infection requires at least three weeks of antibiotics, Lawsonia intracellularis Infection takes about two to three weeks.
Featured Image: iStockPhoto.com/JuergenBosse
