Top Document: Ferret FAQ [4/5] - Health Care Previous Document: (9.4) What kind of checkups should my ferret be having? Next Document: (9.6) Do I need to brush my ferret's teeth? See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge It's a good idea to give your ferrets a general check-over from time to time. This should not substitute for the annual vet visit [9.4], but you might notice something before it gets bad. Anytime you notice anything unusual, take the ferret to the vet. Start by checking your ferret's ears, which should look clean and pink. If you see wax, clean them. If the wax is black or has dark flecks, the ferret might have ear mites [10.10]. Check the cartilage for swelling or distortion. Check the ferret's eyes, which should look clear and alert, with no films or discharge. (Ferrets do have a "second eyelid" which might appear as a bluish-white rim around the edge of the eye.) Feel carefully all around the neck, throat and chin area, looking for lumps or swelling. Check the gums, which should be pink and healthy-looking, and the teeth, looking for excessive tartar or discoloration. Whiskers should be long and strong, not brittle or broken. Now hold the ferret under the front legs, with the back legs on your lap or a table. Run your hands lightly along the ferret's body, checking for lumps. You can also check muscle tone and weight this way: you should be able to feel ribs, but not see them, and the ferret should feel firm and supple, not loose, flabby or skinny. Pull gently on the ferret's legs to check for lumps or swelling on the legs, knees, or feet; the ferret should pull the legs back in. The pads should be pink and soft, with maybe a bit of callus, not irritated or cracking. Your ferret's behavior is also a good indicator of its general health. Sleeping a lot is normal, and older ferrets will slow down a bit, but they should always be curious, alert, and playful. Any change in normal habits might be a sign of a problem. User Contributions: 1 Peyton ⚠ Sep 6, 2023 @ 7:19 pm Is there a way I can get certification that my ferrets are descented? Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic:Top Document: Ferret FAQ [4/5] - Health Care Previous Document: (9.4) What kind of checkups should my ferret be having? Next Document: (9.6) Do I need to brush my ferret's teeth? Part1 - Part2 - Part3 - Part4 - Part5 - Single Page [ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ] Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer: pamg@SPAMalumniSTOP.rice.edu (Pamela Greene)
Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:12 PM
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