Ill Ferrets

[tolley]

Hi everyone. Im affriad that my first post here is going to be a urgent plee for some help.

I currently have two very sick ferrets. I have kept ferrets for 5 years and have never come across either of these problems before.

Firsty Big White my albino Jill has taken a very drastic down hill turn this afternoon. Yesterday she was all fine and normal and playing with the others but this afternoon she has become very sick. She cannot move properly and sways side to side. She will not eat solid food and will not drink much at all. She just seems to roll over on to her back and almost give up. I have a vet appointment for the first thing in the morning but was wondering if any one else had come across this.

My second ferret is having trouble breathing and her stomach really goes in and out when she exhales and inhales. She is making a wheezing/snoring sound when breaths.

Both of them were absolutely fine yesterday and i have changed nothing in there diet or environment. I am really worried for them. I rescued them 5 years ago and will be stuck without them.

Thank you in advance for responses.

[raml]

I would find an emergency vet it doesn't sound good for either of your ferrets they need help right now . I can't tell you what is wrong it could be many things I have had ferrets for 12 yrs and have had different things go wrong but I have always sought a vet when they are sick and struggling unless they were near death and I knew it. Lots of luck and let us know what is wrong.

[Barbara]

There are so many things it could be. Is it hotter than normal there? Did they eat something they shouldn't? Are they vaccinated? I'm hoping you took R's advice and found an er clinic, it doesn't sound good when two are sick at once. I'm sending lots of good thoughts and prayers.

[tolley]

Hi

Thank you for all your kind replies.

I got them both to the vets but unfortunately big white was not able to be saved and by mutual decision of the vet and myself it was decided the kindest thing was to put her to rest. Its a great shame as she was a brilliant pet and will be sorely missed. I just can't believe she went down hill so quickly.

TGe other one is now doing 100% better. The vet gave her a thorough check over and found no problem with her lungs and belived the actual airway was slightly inflamed which was causing the wezzing. He gave her a steriod injection and she is now back to her old self eating and playing again.

[Barbara]

I'm so sorry. I know BW has made it to the Bridge and will let you know she is safe and someday you will meet again. It hurts so much when they leave us but they give so much love while they're here. I'm sending some hugs to you all.

[Dingo]

I'm so sorry about your loss but very glad your other ferret is doing well.

For both of them to suddenly go down with those symptoms suggests to me (and I'm absolutely no expert) that there was an environmental issue all of a sudden. Can you backtrack and think of any new cleaning product or chemical substance that was used in your home on the day they became sick?

[gluckhouse]

Hey Ferret friends , the GLuck House 7 has grown to 13, pictures will follow soon. Sadly we lost our Gypsy, but have several new and crazy critters for you all to meet.

[Asyia]

Sorry to hear about your Gypsy. That's always hard.
Looking forward to the pictures of the babies!!

[unclejoe]

Why was This was posted inan old thread in the emergency section?
Welcome back