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ferrets to skinny

21 10:50:59

Question
i have two ferrets one is socrates. To me he looks like he is losing weight.My either one is beethoven is fine.we got them at the same time. I have been giving socrates the 8 in 1 ferret vite . What esle can I do????? PLEASE HELP & thank you

Answer
Hello Miranda,

How old is little Socrates?  A younger ferret is less likely to have a serious disease (although not impossible)!  Also, there are several easy things you could check to rule out the cause of the weight loss.

First, check inside his mouth.  A chipped, rotten or broken tooth can cause a decrease in appetite and therefore weight loss.  Make sure he is eating/drinking well and his fecal matter is normal. A ferret MUST eat every 4-6 hours!!  This is very important, since a ferret who is not eating can become an emergency situation very quickly. Perhaps it would be prudent to separate Socrates so you can monitor him more easily.   

Secondly, make sure you are feeding a HIGH QUALITY food suitable for ferrets.  Most commercial brands are unhealthy and do not provide necessary nutrients.  Here is a previous question I answered about diet.  You should check it out and see if what you are currently feeding is sufficient.  

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ferrets-2277/2008/6/food-ferrets.htm

Third, it may come as a surprise, but some ferrets naturally lose or gain up to a pound with the change in seasons.  Of course you do not want to assume this is the reason without having him checked up by a vet, since weight loss can also be caused by very serious and life-threatening conditions.

As far as other problems that cause weight loss, the list is endless.  Intestinal obstructions (usually accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea), kidney/liver failure, insulinoma, adrenal disease, etc.  Due to the severity of these types of diseases, it is pertinent that they are diagnosed early.  Please bring him to your veterinarian ASAP if the weight loss continues or he develops any other symptoms.

Hopefully, his weight loss is nothing more than a seasonal flux.  For now, you should separate him form his buddy for easy monitoring.  Also, you may want to weigh him daily and write down the result.  This can help you keep track of his weight more easily.  Note any changes in appetite, water consumption, behavior changes (lethargy), and waste elimination.  Also, watch for diarrhea, vomiting, hair loss, etc.  If any other symptoms emerge, please have him seen for a check  up and some diagnostics.  

I wish you well with little Socrates!

-Cindy P.