Ferrets are susceptible to distemper, a disease caused by the distemper virus. This virus affects multiple species, including pet dogs. Distemper virus is a disease rarely seen in dogs in the UK, due to the success of vaccination programs: puppies are given a course of vaccines from 8 weeks, and then dogs receive distemper boosters every 3 years.

Whilst there are no vaccines specifically designed for ferrets, it is common practice in exotic animal clinics, zoos and rescue centres to use dog vaccines. Evidence supports that these are safe, and appear to generate an immune response as intended for provision of future protection. Vaccination always carries a low risk of reaction (with all vaccines and all species) and this can be discussed at a vaccine appointment to ensure you are happy to proceed.

Routine parasite treatment (especially for fleas) is common in cats and dogs, but rarely done for ferrets. Ferrets are susceptible to their own species of flea, as well as several species of mites and ticks.

Routine preventative treatment in ferrets is not typically recommended; instead, we want to review their lifestyle factors to tailor our treatment plan. For example, ferrets that live with dogs would likely need more regular treatment for fleas.

At a health check, we would review your current management plan and use this to make an appropriate parasite prevention plan, which may include deliberately electing NOT to provide routine treatment, if lifestyle risked is assessed as low.

If you have concerns over your ferrets health, our exotics team are happy to examine, discuss their findings and make a treatment and management plan with you. We can hospitalise ferrets when necessary, investigate underlying signs (e.g bloodwork) and perform surgery.

However, it is important to remember that our team are not specialists. Critically unwell ferrets, or ferrets suffering from complex diseases, will receive optimal care via a referral to an external specialist, which may therefore be recommended by a member of our team.

In an emergency scenario out of normal working hours, you can contact the practice through the normal number. This will be picked up by an external answering service, and you will then be called back by the duty vet. Our vet team share the emergency rota, so you will be speaking to a Larkmead team member, who will be based at the Didcot Park Road surgery.

Please note, our duty vet may not be a member of our exotics team. They will, however, be able to contact a member of the team, and are capable of examining and providing emergency first aid care as needed.

“Should I neuter my ferret?”

This is one of the most common and important questions we receive from ferret owners.

While neutering in ferrets was historically recommended for both males and females, the most recent studies suggest that we should be adopting a more cautious approach.

This is due to the predisposition that neutered ferrets have to suffering from Cushing’s syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism) later in their life.

Cushing’s syndrome is more common in neutered ferrets, due to the loss of sex hormones, which function like a control for the complex adrenal system. Without sex hormones, nothing is acting to slow down/turn off the production of adrenal hormones.

Cushing’s syndrome is a condition that can lead to hair loss, behavioural changes, increased thirst and urination and muscular wastage among other symptoms.

Additionally, entire females (Jills) are susceptible to persistent oestrus: they enter heat, and only leave heat when mated, or medically brought out of heat. If left in a persistent heat, they are at high risk of developing anaemia (low red blood cells) which is a life-threatening condition.

We therefore need to prevent persistent oestrus, but also avoid increasing the risk of Cushing’s disease. This involves the use of hormonal implants. The implant suppresses reproductive hormones, but it will not increase the possibility of developing Cushing’s syndrome, as it also suppresses the production of adrenal hormones. Hormonal implants are temporary and therefore need to be replaced periodically under sedation.

A plan for your individual pet will be made during an appointment with one of our exotics team.