Worms

Question
hi, I just read an answer that you gave to someone about ferret worms, and you said that ferrets cant get worms.  I have 2 ferrets and I was cleaning there litter box the other day and i saw some little white worms in there moving around.  I asked a vet in my area (who specializes in exotic animals) and they said it was tape worms but to be sure bring them in and a stool sample and if it was they would have to give them an injection.  What is your opinion?  They are eating ok and there poop looks like it has always looked.  

Thank you.
Kristina

Answer
Hi Kristina:

Ferrets aren't like puppies, in that puppies almost always need to be wormed.  I haven't personally experienced a ferret with worms, but I won't say it's impossible. I absolutely don't think a ferret should *ever* be treated for worms without a vet examining a stool sample and then diagnosing worms and prescribing a medication in a proper dosage for a ferret.

There is a possibility that what you saw in the litterbox was maggots (larvae from flies).   Tape worms are completely different than what you are describing.

I absolutely concur with your vet - if there is any possibility that your ferrets have some sort of intestinal parasite, they need to be taken to the vet and have stool samples checked (both visually and microscopically) for a proper diagnosis.

I hope you will follow thru and get these kids to the ferret knowledgeable vet for a true diagnosis. I also hope you will check back in with me and let me know what you find out?  I am quite interested in the results......

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers