Need Help!!!!!

Question
Hi, i have this ferret named Max he'll be a year old on 2-27-08...... after a month or 2 of me having him he got really fat, but then he became very skinnny and fast too. He eats normaly and seems to poop and act normal. I am really worried, maybe there isant anything wrong with him but, this is my first time owning a ferret. i also have 2 other ones i got them about the same time i got Max. They share food and are very friendly toward each other.....

Answer
Hello Callie!  There are so many factors that can cause weight loss.  Some ferrets gain and loose up to a pound as the seasons change, while others remain consistent throughout the year. This could be the result of a perfectly natural adjustment to the change in the light cycles that ferrets are so sensitive.

Of course, not all weight loss is normal.  It could be indicative of anything from an intestinal obstruction to adrenal disease.  The best possible thing you could do would be to monitor him closely. Perhaps separate him from his buddies except for play time.  This way, you can easily see how much he is eating and drinking and that he is maintaining a healthy appetite.  This is extremely important, since a healthy ferret needs to eat every 4-6 hours.  

Also, watch for any sudden changes in behavior, such as lethargy.  A ferret who is a year old should be relatively bouncy, and you should know by now what is "normal" behavior for him.  Anything unusual should be noted.  

Since he is about a year old, I am guessing he is likely due for his next vaccinations shortly.  As long as the weight loss does not continue or become severe, and he remains otherwise healthy, you could watch him until his next checkup.  If you are at all concerned, however, or he exhibits unusual behavior, it is wise to make an appointment with your veterinarian. There could be a hidden condition behind the decrease in weight.

I hope this helps!  Please let me know if you have any other questions.

-Cindy P.