swollen stomach

Question
QUESTION: My 7 year old ferret has suddenly gone very skinny under the arms and further down her body but has a huge hard swollen stomach. she is visiting the vets soon but i feel she wont still be with us until then. she is drinking and eating but as she lives with another ferret i dont notice if she is going to the toilet. she finds it hard to stay on her feet but still rolls around with her ferret friend and my yorkie puppy. she doesnt show any sign of pain but is very weak and tired.

ANSWER: 7 years old, huh?  I must praise you for keeping her healthy for such a long time! It's so sad that most ferrets I have seen rarely live past 5 years of age due to poor nutrition and predisposed genetic conditions.  Congratulations for keeping her so healthy and happy!

A swollen stomach can be caused by many, many conditions, some that are more serious than others.  Here are a few possibilities that come to mind:

1.) Parasites such as roundworms can cause a "pot-belly", and although this sort of infection is rare in indoor ferrets, it is a possibility.  This would require a fecal sample brought in to your veterinarian to examine and determine if indeed she has a parasite and then prescribe the appropriate treatment.

2.) Gas can be another cause.  If the swelling goes down within the next few hours this is likely the reason for the abdominal distention.  This can be diagnosed with an X-ray from your veterinarian.  

3.) Tumors or an enlarged spleen.  Some internal tumors can grow very large and form a large hard mass within the abdomen.  An enlarged spleen could be the problem as well.  This can be diagnosed via radiography or ultrasound by your veterinarian.    

4.) Another more serious condition that can cause a swollen belly is cardiomyopathy.  This is a heart condition in which the muscle in the heart begins necrosis and is replaced by scar tissue.  In this condition, the blood begins to get re-routed into various locations.  One common place is the stomach, resulted in a hard fluid-filled abdomen that appears bloated.  This is a condition that needs veterinary care immediately for x-rays and an abdominal tap.  

More info on ferret cardiomyopathy:    

http://www.ferretcentral.org/faq/med/cardio.html  

5.)  A fall/trauma.  This is often seen in animals who get hit by cars with full bladders.  The Bladder/urinary tract can rupture, causing the abdomen to fill with urine.  This can be diagnosed by a veterinarian by using x-rays and a tap of the abdomen to see the type of fluid is filling the cavity.  Unfortunately the prognosis for this condition is grim.    

I would recommend you bring your girl to the veterinarian immediately.  While it is a good sign that she is eating and drinking, a swollen stomach could be a sign of something far more serious, especially since she has been lethargic.  You might want to consider running bloodwork as well, especially since she is an older girl.  

I wish you the best of luck and please keep me posted with the progress of your sweet little girl.

-Cindy P.
E.R. Vet Tech

Follow-up:

I'm glad she looks better!  As to the smell, it is likely related to the fluid in the abdomen if that is indeed the condition.  It could be some blood creeping into the digestive tract.  There is no smell worse than this.  Ugh, i have personally witnessed it, and it is truly not an experience i will soon forget.  Have you noticed any blood in the stool by any chance?  

I recommend a visit to the vet as soon as possible.  As you mentioned with your dog, this disease can be very painful and medication can help her tolerate the discomfort and perhaps slow the progression of the disease.  It may also be wise to find the number to an emergency clinic nearby that treats ferrets.  You never know if she could suddenly take a turn for the worse when your regular vet is not open.  Just an idea to keep in mind!

Thank you for keeping me posted.  I always like to know the turnout of the cases and how your little buddy is doing!

-Cindy P.
E.R. Vet Tech

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: unfortunatly she was put down last friday.
she had a tumour and she spline was wrapped around it.
i was very upset but dicided it would be the right thing to do for her as the night i took her home she began to be in pain so im glad she was sent to a better place the following morning.
the other ferret is now very bored on her own!! she is getin a lot of attention but dicided to escape and my mom found her in the bathroom upstairs! naughty thing.
thank you for all your help.
riah

Answer
I am so sorry for your loss =(  I know it is a tough time for you, and as a tech who sees this situation all too often, I cannot thank you enough for considering her pain.  So many well meaning owners drag out a pet's life even when they are clearly suffering.  You did the right thing, and I'm sure she is smiling down on you right now. Thank you so much for letting me know the outcome!