From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2007-05-09 16:23:34 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: My baby is sick:(
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Okay, first off, ferrets do not get colds. Don't take my word for it; check the past posts of
ferret pathology expert, Dr. Bruce Williams in the archives at
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
Ferrets do get bacterial sinus infections and influenza just as people do and some other
respiratory things, but first I want you to share a bit more about the circumstances in
which the ferret is sneezing and shivering.
Is the shivering when waking up and when happily excited, or is it happening other times?
If so, what are the circumstances?
Is the sneezing happening after investigations of dusty areas? Does the ferret have places
to get away from dusty things like cloth hammocks for bedding?
If this is an older ferret is the ferret spending some times holding the paws over his or her
nose till sneezing happens and then licking the paws (or sometimes not) and grabbing
behind the ears and then pulling forward in a sort of face washing motion? If so, there are
scent glands back there which are not active in young kits, and the ferret is merely putting
on his or her signature scent. If you sniff behind the ears of an adult ferret right after a
big sneeze you will smell the released scent. Many ferrets are as private about face
washing as we are about using a bathroom, but some come to share the experience with
their human family members and can at times be so relaxed and happy during their face
"washing" that they almost seem in an active trace like state.
So, more details from you, please...
What are the circumstances in which the sneezing and shivering are happening?
You do realize that kit ferrets need their vaccine series and should have kit veterinary
check-ups, right? Also, you know that ferrets need annual vaccinations and check-ups,
with the check-ups being more often when older and involving testing when older or ill,
that ferrets need a lot of exercise, that you need to have carefully done ferret-proofing,
etc. right? They are not animals who are left in small cages and taken out for an
occasional cuddle, and they need a litter box and separate bedding with cage cover or
sleeping boxes or both a very good idea.
What resources have you read so far to prepare yourself?
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "jbsm44l" <jbsm44l@...> wrote:
>
> I just got my ferret a couple of months ago and he now has his first
> cold. I am freaking out.. he is sneezing, shivering, and losing weight.
> I got him some medicine from the pet store and he seems to be
> improving, he is now playing again and stopped shivering. Should I take
> him to the vet. I am short on money, but if he needs to go I will take
> him. Thank You!!
>
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