Message Number: SG628 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "Roger Vaughn"
Date: 2002-08-02 22:10:50 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Advice on Buying a New Ferret - Health
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <3439.192.168.132.34.1028326250.squirrel@webmail.seaconinc.com>

> I'm thinking that the issue is situational (the bedding, cheap
> food) Any thoughts?

I think your instincts are good. Improper food has probably caused
that poor skin and coat condition. If she was not fed a good meat-
based diet with sufficient fat levels, it would certainly cause her to
show a poor coat. Wood shavings as bedding could contribute, too,
though they often cause respiratory problems.

You can never really be sure what you are bringing home, at least until
you get them to the vet. (And even then you're not 100% sure.) Even
kits could bring home something to infect your Ripley.

Some conditions, like adrenal disease (which often causes hair loss) or
lymphoma aren't contagious, so you shouldn't worry about bringing those
home. Other things, however, like ECE or ADV are. ECE is manageable,
and a young ferret like Ripley will usually weather it very easily.
ADV on the other hand, is not treatable and will cause long term
problems. Then there are the two big ones - rabies and distemper.

What you want to do is find out as much as you can about this girl's
medical history. Vaccinations, illnesses, accidents, whatever you can
get. It's possible the store will not have any of that. If you decide
to get her, take her immediately to the vet for a checkup, or keep her
quarantined and away from Ripley until you can get her checked out.
Especially try to get your hands on her vaccination records and get her
checked for ADV. You do *not* want to bring any of those three
diseases into your home.

People bring new ferrets into their homes all the time. Usually it's
not a problem. Just make sure to use common sense and take reasonable
precautions, like the quarantine and vet check. If you do that, then
you shouldn't need to spend too much worry on it.

Roger & the Fibonacci Ferts