Im worried about my ferret...

Question
Hi, i'm worried about my ferret Rikki... He is almost a year old and he seems way too skinny. I don't think he's had any past illnesses and he still plays and eats, but I'm worried for him all the same. I feed him Premium Ferret Food and this other stuff that is suposed to make him gain weight. His poop is black and solid, not runny. He is a Sable and even though they are suposed to be skinny, he seems just too small... I also have a normal ferret (forget what he's called) and he's still a baby. But the baby is twice that size of Rikki now. I love them both and couldn't think of what to do if one died, what do I do? Is there a vet in Nevada (that's where I live)that can diagnose him? Help me please...

Answer
Hi Brittani,

Here are some links to some vets that might be in your area:

NEVADA

89117
Dr. Kolmstetter
Park Animal Hospital
Las Vegas, NV, 89117-062
702-361-5850

89503
Dr. Katie Rohrer-Weldon
Kings Row Pet Hospital
3653 Kings Row
Reno, Nevada, 89503
1 775 747-1211

NEW HAMPSHIRE

03281
Dr. Mike Dutton
Weare Animal Hospital
91 North Stark Hwy,
Weare, NH 03281
603-529-4999

03303
George A Messenger, DVM
Fisherville Animal Hospital
108 Fisherville Road
Concord,NH 03303
(603) 229-0674

03801
Dr. Anthony Guerino
Animal Medical Center
1550 Woodbury Avenue
Portsmouth,NH 03801
(603) 436-4922
www.animalmedicalcenter.baweb.com

03867
Dr. Norris
Broadview Animal Clinic
134 10 Rod Road
Rochester, NH 03867
603-335-2120

03242
Dr. Robert Brust
Henniker Veterinary Hospital PA
Junction of Routs 202/9 & 114
Henniker, NH  03242
603-428-3441

03079
Dr. Thomas Adams
Dr. Dean Elder
Salem Animal Hospital Professional  Association
24-hour emergency service is available
193 So. Broadway, Salem, NH  03079
(603) 893-3565

03431
Dr. Winifred Morenz
Park Place Veterinary Hospital
Rte 32
Keene, NH  03431
603 357-4049

And here are some more links to sites that can help you locate vets that might not be listed here:

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/

What type of Premium Ferret Food are you feeding? It is Marshall's? Because if it is Marshall's, you'll want to switch him off that. Marshall's is pretty close to ferret junk food, which is strange because they are the largest breeder (or one of the largest) of ferrets. You'd think they'd market a product that is in the best interest of the ferret. Not so, unfortunately.

You should feed your ferret a food that has about 36% protein, 20-22% fat and no more than 3% fiber. Also, taurine should be in there somewhere. Here is a chart listing some of the foods that people feed their ferrets:

http://www.mdferretpaws.org/care/food_treats.html

I would stay above a nine in the ranking if I were you. Another thing you want to look for in the food is that at least 3 of the first 5 ingredients are from meat products (and not fish). Also, stay away from foods with corn or corn products listed in the first three to five ingredients.

If you are feeding a food that doesn't quite go up to par as far as quality, you should switch his food . You need to make the change gradually because ferrets imprint on their food at a young age and they don't recognize anything else as food. Also, you're going to want to do it gradually to be easier on his tummy. You will probably see looser stool than normal for a few days. Just keep an eye on that and make sure he is staying hydrated. If it lasts for more than a week or if he gets dehydrated or stops eating, you should have him checked out by a qualified ferret vet. You should start out with about 85% old food and 15% new food. Keep that ratio for a few days and then put 75% old food and 25% new food and continue that for a few days and so on. You could even mix a couple high quality foods if you wanted to, just in case your normal food changes formula and your little guy won't eat it!

This may be part of the reason he isn't gaining any weight. Something I'm concerned about though, is that you said his poops are black? Black poops mean digest blood, which means there is a bleed somewhere in his system and that needs to be seen to immediately! Here is a poop chart for you to compare his poops with:

http://www.hugawoozel.com/medical.html#poop

If his poop is indeed black, that problem needs to be seen to right away and I would suggest a trip to the vet ASAP!

I hope that helps. Please don't hesitate to ask if you need any more information and please let me know how it works out!

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews