From:
"US7"
Date: 2005-06-25 00:50:44 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Skinny ferret
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <CAJLM1.31706WMN@comcast.net>
I would add to this weight discussion that there are other factors besides =
actual weight. Smokey, who recently had adrenal surgery, is skinny but has =
a solid build. Bubbles looks fat ferret, but it's her luxurious fur that ma=
kes her look that way. She has what I would call normal build. Jasper is my=
most muscular ferret yet, but he only weights in at a little less than 2 p=
ounds. Scritch is my longest ferret, and some would say my biggest, but he'=
s just average weight and has a fairly light build. These are the other fac=
tors you have to include when using weight as a judgement of health.
Negative indicators might include hips that seem to stick out too far, exce=
ssively wrinkling skin, and abnormal weight proportions. These could be sig=
ns that there's the beginning of a problem. Also, notice changes in fur qua=
lity.
I've also had a vet tell me that a ferret having a paunch (in the rear hips=
area) can possibly be an early indicator of insulinoma. I saw that in our =
very first ferret, Deezel. However, I would not panic and assume something =
is wrong if there were no other symptoms. It's just an early indicator.
Roary
Albuquerque, NM