Ferret illnesses that are not caused by a viral, fungal, parasitic, or bacterial infection are called non-infectious diseases.One serious non-infectious disease in ferrets is dilated cardiomyopathy.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart disease in which some of the heart wall cells die. Over time, the muscle in your ferret’s heart wall thins, leaving some blood behind every time the heart pumps. This causes the heart to enlarge and affects its normal function. Eventually, as your ferret’s heart weakens, less blood is pumped through the circulatory system.
This type of heart disease usually only affects ferrets that are at least 2 years old.
Symptoms and types
As blood flow to the cells and organs is reduced, the ferret may become lethargic, have difficulty breathing, and appear slightly cyanotic. The cells receive less oxygen, and the skin may turn blue instead of its normal pale pink color. As dilated cardiomyopathy progresses, affected ferrets may lose their appetite and subsequently lose weight. Fluid may accumulate in the chest area.
When blood flow is reduced, the liquid part of the blood (serum) leaks out of the blood vessels, causing fluid to accumulate in your ferret’s abdomen (ascites). Unfortunately, these signs indicate that dilated cardiomyopathy is causing widespread damage to the heart and other organs.
diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform an echocardiogram and X-rays to check for heart murmurs, and an ultrasound may also be used to diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy.
process
It is important to first treat any heart abnormalities and reduce any fluid buildup in the abdomen and chest, which can be reduced by using diuretics (medications that increase the rate of urine) and reducing the salt in your ferret’s diet.
In addition to heart-strengthening medications, your veterinarian may recommend supplemental oxygen and bronchodilators (substances that dilate the bronchi and bronchioles) for ferrets who are having difficulty breathing.
Ferrets must be provided with a stress-free lifestyle, plenty of rest, a proper diet, and a stable room temperature to cope with dilated cardiomyopathy. If your ferret is not overweight, it is recommended that you limit its activity to avoid putting undue stress on its weakened heart.
Featured Image: iStockPhoto.com/Irina Vasilevskaia
