Found dead with blood out of mouth

Question
A seemingly healthy ferret was found dead this morning at the bottom of his cage with blood coming out of his mouth. Do you have any clue what it could have been and if not, where I could look?

Answer
Hi Christine:

So sorry to hear about this death. No, not without a lot more information I can't tell much and even then it would be a guess.  I'd need to know how old he was? Average lifespan is 6+ years; has he been eating and drinking okay the past few days? If not, he could have had an ulcer that started bleeding, or even a blockage that ruptured internally if he doesn't receive treatment regularly for hairballs.

Ferrets hide their ill health, so you need only look at the past 2-3 days for hints as to what may have happened. They will stop eating/drinking (any tummy problem) or their poops will be skinny or scant (blockage).

It could be that he had a seizure and bit the back of his tongue and the blood had nothing to do with the manner of death in and of itself, but something that happened while he ws dying if it was violently. Check the cage for signs of violent death - for splattered blood on surrounding walls or floors, bedding, etc.

Hopefully there is enough information here for her to make some kind of guess at what could have happened.  If you feel you need a definitive answer, best that you refrigerate the body until you can get it to a vet for a necropsy. Prices vary, so ask first.

To me, there is nothing much more painful than losing one of my babies. All of mine have died in my arms and I can only imagine all the "what ifs" and "what happeneds" that must happen if I hadn't witnessed their deaths. Some go gently; some do not. Apparently God didn't feel you needed to witness this one. Please try to accept that; know that he is in a better place and out of his misery, whatever it was.

I would like to invite you to write a tribute to him and post it here:  http://www.petloss.com  There is also a great poem there called "Rainbow Bridge" - if you haven't read it before, you will certainly want to read it now. There is a Monday Night Candle Lighting Ceremony for pets who have died the previous week (or more, if it's not possible to get it written in time to be in this weeks - I think their deadline was Sun afternoon, but it would be celebrated next Monday night).  It's a very moving time to light your candle and join mommies and daddies all over the world who you know are grieving with you, read the Tribute you've submitted and have just a few minutes to reflect on the good times you had with your precious little one.

My sincere condolences,

Jacquie Rodgers