Ferret scab

Question
My ferret seems to have a patch on its back. It is about 15mm x 8mm and has taken the coat away. The patch looks very sore. What could it be? Many thanks.

Answer
Hi James:

Without looking at the area, I would *guess* that it is either a skin cancer, or other lesion, OR a sign of adrenal disease if it is just above the ferret's tail.

Your ferret needs to see a vet and be properly diagnosed, receive some medication for the sore spot; OR have it removed and properly treated.

Please don't waste time in getting this little one to a vet. A simple scraping and looking at cells under the microscope should let your vet know exactly what is going on.  I hope you will get him in right away!

Here are some vet recommendations in case you don't have a ferret vet:


VETS CANADA:   
* http://www.ferretrescue.ca/start.php
* http://tinylink.com/?TlVyYKa6e0
* http://www.ferrets.org/Veterinarian_Listings.htm   (British Columbia)
* http://www.ferretcentral.org/for-others/db-vets.html

VETS USA:
* http://www.quincyweb.net/quincy/vet.html
* http://ferrethealth.org/vets/
* http://www.ferret-universe.com/vets/vetlist.asp
* http://www.ferretsanctuary.com/vets.shtml
* http://www.ferretcentral.org/for-others/db-vets.html
* http://ferrethealth.org/vets/

VETS  UK & IRELAND:  
* http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ferreter/vetlist.htm

VET INFO/ LIST OF FERRET GROUPS/ CONTACTS IN UK, ITALY, NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, NETHERLANDS, GERMANY & DENMARK:       
* http://www.ferretcentral.org/for-others/db-overseas.html (scroll down page to find the one you are looking for)

Best of luck - your ferret is in my thoughts and prayers. Until you can get him to the vet, you may wish to separate him from other ferrets and keep the area very clean.

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers