From:
Pam Sessoms
Date: 2002-05-10 22:56:00 UTC
Subject: Re: changing color/losing weight/increased urine
On Fri, 10 May 2002, babyray97 wrote:
>
> my 5 year old ferret is changing color. He was overweight and dark
> brown, now he is silvery and has lost a lot of weight! Also, the
> litterbox gets soaked with urine much faster than usual. I am fearful
> of diabetes. Do his symptoms ring a bell with anyone?
You are right to be concerned... Diabetes is one possiblity with the
increased urination and weight loss, although it's pretty unusual.
Another cause could be kidney problems, which are not uncommon as ferrets
get older. There are probably other possible causes too, maybe bladder infection. It's the usual drill: off to the vet, probably for a
urinalysis and bloodwork.
Never heard of coat color change being related, although some of these
sable guys will "roan" with age, and that can cause them to go silvery
over time. Ask my Mojo, very distinguished. :) Or sometimes they shed
the dark guard hairs all of a sudden, but the light fluffy undercoat can
stick around a bit extra, and that makes them lighten up too. But really,
I have no idea on that one...
Best wishes,
-Pam S. (not a vet)