Comman Symptoms and Possible causes

[Michele (mmmclaughlin)]

Common Symptoms and Possible Causes

**Note: Consult with your vet if your ferret is acting unusual! While you are "the first line of defense" for your pet's health, a trained professional can help
Ascertain what the combination of symptoms may mean. **

Eyes	
Bulging or swollen eyes:	Glaucoma
Runny or watery eyes:	Allergy, cold
Pus:	Conjunctivitis
Brown crusting:	Distemper
White spot or "disk" in eye/s:	Cataract
Blindness:	Cataract

Mouth	
Pale gums Red, sore or bleeding gums Bluish gray gums Blackened teeth:	Anemia, low blood pressure, Tarter buildup; gingivitis, Lack of Oxygen, Dead tooth
Dark or stained teeth:	Age, tetracycline as kit
Rash on chin and lips:	Distemper
Drooling:	Insulinoma seizure; poison
Clenched teeth:	Insulinoma seizure
Scratching at mouth:	Broken tooth, nausea
Vomiting	Foreign body, ulcers, ECE; hairballs; poison
Vomiting blood:	Internal hemorrhage
Panting:	Heat stroke; severe pain; insulinoma seizure

Nose
Sore on Nose:	Infection
Runny nose, sneezing:	Runny nose, sneezing
Short, broken whiskers:	Poor nutrition, ill health
Dark pink or red:	Insulinoma seizure
Bright red:	Hypothermia (heat stroke) or fever

Ears	
Black inside:Excessive dirt
 itching:	Mites
Yellow:	Hepatitis
Bad smell:	Excessive dirt; yeast-type infection
Growth:	Tumor; infected bite
Loss of hair on ears:	Another ferret chewing on them
Deafness:	Congenital, Wardenburg's Syndrome (panda pattern); infection

Paws	
"Splayed" feet:	Housed on wire
 Hair loss: 	Age, adrenal disease
 Dry pads: 	Clay litter
 Dark pink pads:	Insulinoma seizure
 Bright red pads :	Hyperthermia (heat stroke)
 Rough, thickened pads :	Distemper
 Roughened, scratched pads: 	Lost outside for significant period; housed outdoors/dirt/cement
 Long quick: 	Not regularly clipped
 Nail torn out :	Caught on bedding; on cage wire
 Curled toes :	Age, weak hindquarters 

Legs	
 Limping: 	Stepped on
 Staggering :	Insulinoma; stroke; ear infection
 Stiffness: 	Arthritis; age; over-caged 

Again, please note that the preceding is for informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended to replace an assessment from a qualified veterinary professional. If you are questioning your ferret’s health, please contact your veterinarian.

[BumbleinGrey]

That's a nice reference sheet... thanks a lot!

[suewee44]

May I add: Foaming at the mouth: Choking on food or other item