My ferret is wobbling

Question
I have two male ferrets both about nine years old, one is very healthy and has always been the larger of the two brothers however I have noticed that the smaller one has begun to wobble while he is walking and therefore has trouble walking straight his legs seem to have weakened however he isn't showing any sign of pain. He hasn't stopped playing and does not seem disorientated and when he falls he gets straight back up, I'm worried however his legs wont be able to hold for much longer do you have any suggestions of what this could be or what i should do? as there are not any vets in the who have much experience in ferrets i don't want to put him through any unnecessary treatment.

Answer
Hello Becca,

Does he seem to be weak in his hind limbs only or all four? Is he eating normally?

The "wobbling" could be a sign of general weakness from some other cause, or it could be related to something like a spinal tumor, metabolic disease or trauma among other things.   What worries me is the wobbling may only become worse the longer it goes untreated.  Especially in an elderly ferret, it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.  

I recommend to have him seen by a vet ASAP to rule out any potentially life threatening problems.  If there is something found, it can be treated early and hopefully with a better prognosis. Below is a list of ferret-friendly vets, and hopefully you can locate one in your area.  Also consider the 28 schools of veterinary medicine within the USA.  If one is within reasonable driving distance, it is a great option since they have access to extremely advanced diagnostics and specialists on call.  

Since I am unsure if you live within the USA, I am including the entire list for other countries as well.

VETS CANADA:   
* http://www.ferretrescue.ca/start.php
* http://tinylink.com/?TlVyYKa6e0
* http://www.ferrets.org/Veterinarian_Listings.htm   (British Columbia)
* http://www.ferretcentral.org/for-others/db-vets.html

VETS USA:
* http://www.quincyweb.net/quincy/vet.html
* http://ferrethealth.org/vets/
* http://www.ferret-universe.com/vets/vetlist.asp
* http://www.ferretsanctuary.com/vets.shtml
* http://www.ferretcentral.org/for-others/db-vets.html
* http://ferrethealth.org/vets/

VETS  UK & IRELAND:  
* http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ferreter/vetlist.htm

VET INFO/ LIST OF FERRET GROUPS/ CONTACTS IN UK, ITALY, NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, NETHERLANDS, GERMANY & DENMARK:       
* http://www.ferretcentral.org/for-others/db-overseas.html (scroll down page to find the one you are looking for)

AAVMC ACCREDITED SCHOOLS OF VETERINARY MEDICINE IN THE USA AND ABROAD:
(Note, these are in alphabetical order and NOT by state, Google may be a better search method to find the one nearest you)

*http://www.aavmc.org/students_admissions/vet_schools.htm

I don't blame you for wanting to put him though unnecessary tests, but a 9 year old ferret is considered elderly and any number of things can cause weakness you  describe.  Some conditions are more serious than others, and it is best to rule out the life threatening things before they become worse.  Make sure he is eating, maintains a good activity level and drinking normally.  If you notice any odd behavior or he seems lethargic, anorexic or the wobbling appears worse, have him seen as soon as possible.  

Best of luck with your little man, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

-Cindy P.