From:
"Tressie"
Date: 2012-01-04 18:03:27 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: New rescue of mine - suspect heart issues but wonder about oversized head
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
The RCFs are very large ferrets! I currently have two - a male and a female and they do have very large heads and correspondingly larger bodies. The female is larger than my largest male Marshall's and is as large as the male RCF. I have seen larger RCFs.
The largest ferret I ever saw was a polecat hybrid from the UK. He had an unbelievably massive head and body.
I suspect that Hog's head may appear disproportionately large because his muscles are atrophied and he is underweight for his size.
My two are solid, chunky heavy weights with good muscle mass.
RCFs are known to have mycoplasmosis and this is something that needs to be watched for and could very well be the source of his wheezing. Could also be a number of different conditions i.e., heart condition as you suspect or asthma, respiratory irritation from environmental factors in his previous home (inappropriate litter, urine/fecal fumes, etc.
Mycoplasmosis also affects the intestinal tract, which may be contributing to his toileting problems. Although if he had a severely deprived environment and no litter box training he may be depressed and not have knowledge or where-with-all on toileting habits.
Kevin Farley has a lot of experience with this breed in his shelter. He is in your state and if you have not already done so, I would strongly suggest that you contact him. He will be very helpful with his experience and knowledge.
Tressie
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