Ferret Influenza

Question
My ferret is 6 years old and I think she has a respiratory infection. What should I do take her to the vet or is there a home remedy I can give her?

Answer
Hello Tom,

Ferrets can get certain forms of human viruses and influenza.  Some cases can be extremely serious and need veterinary attention while others tend to last only a few days with minor symptoms.  Some of the common symptoms include lethargy, decreased appetite, coughing/sneezing and a fever.  There are some things you can do to determine if her cold  needs veterinary care ASAP or can be monitored at home.

One of the easiest things to watch for is temperature.  Obtain a rectal thermometer from a pharmacy and some KY jelly.  Take her temperature often, and make sure it is not over 104 degrees.  A normal ferret temperature is between 100.5-103 degrees F.  Anything above this is a fever and can be life-threatening.  

Monitor her appetite.  A ferret SHOULD eat and defecate every 4-6 hours and maintain a healthy appetite.  If you have more than one ferret, separate her so you can watch how much she is eating.  Also, this will help prevent the spreading of the disease to any of your other ferrets.    If she is not eating or drinking well, seek veterinary care immediately.  A ferret that does not eat can become very ill quickly.  You may have to force-feed small amounts every few hours if needed.  There is an excellent product called "Duck Soup" (no duck.. it's just the name) which is very tasty and nutritious for ill ferrets.  Here is some information on the product, which is readily available in most pet stores:    

http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?familyid=10504&Ntt=duck%20soup&OneResultR...

Another very important thing that goes along with eating is hydration.  Make sure she has plenty of fresh water available at all times.  Check her gums.  Are they pink and wet to the touch?  If they are tacky, she is not getting the necessary amount of hydration which can be devastating in an ill animal.  Also, if you scruff her and her skin does not "spring" into place, that is also a sign that she is not drinking enough to keep up her fluid levels.  If she is not hydrated enough, you may need to syringe-feed her water.  It is always a good idea to bring any dehydrated animal to your vet ASAP.  She may need subcutaneous fluids or IV therapy to rehydrate her body.  This is also a good method to bring down a fever.

Watch her energy level.  She will likely be lethargic and sleep far more than usual and less playful.  This is to be expected of any animal that is not feeling well.  Make sure the depressed attitude does not last too long, such as more than several days.  It could mean something more is wrong than a simple cold.  

If you decide to bring her to your veterinarian, he or she will likely prescribe an antibiotic to help her get over the cold.  This is a good option and will shorten the duration of the sickness as well as lessen the symptoms and fever.  IV or subcutaneous fluids can rehydrate her and make her feel much better quickly.  

There are no home remedies except monitoring.  Make sure she is getting enough food and water so that she can fight the cold on her own.  Watch for any worsening symptoms and monitor her temperature.  If it is over 104, get her to your vet immediately.

-Cindy P.