From:
sharon.brown@blueyonder.co.uk
Date: 2003-03-05 20:16:59 UTC
Subject: Seasonal Weight Loss?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <31538929.1046895419732.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Hi,
My biggest male ferret has lost a great deal of weight over the last 2 weeks. Spring is just starting here in the UK and he is shedding his hair like mad (all over not just tail). I can now feel all his ribs and the bones in his spine. His back end is very sunken and he's a bit wobbly on his legs (he always is though). I put food down to him last night and he started eating it, he is taking treats like small pieces of banana chips or raisins. I can't tell if he's going to the toilet as he shares a tray with the other ferrets. He is not tender in the abdomen and his guts feel soft and squishy, not bloated.
Is this just a severe case of seasonal weight loss taken to the extreme or could it be something more? I have no idea how old he is but I have had him now for 3 years. Would they stop eating if they are burning up all their stored fat? Is it normal to get so thin or should I rush him off to the vet tomorrow and if so what should I expect them to look for?
Thanks for your help
Sharon