Lethargic, Lump on Tummy

Question
We have two ferrets; we've had the older one for almost 3 years, and we are not sure how old he was when we got him. (We were told 1 but suspect he was older) We have noticed that he is lethargic and losing weight for awhile now.  He eats and drinks plenty. We thought that he was just getting old.  Recently, my fiance moved away and since then, I noticed that he was even more lethargic.  I chalked it up to him being depressed that his daddy was gone.  The other day, I notice a lump accross his tummy.  What could it be? I am very concerned.

Answer
Hi Erin:

Even tho it is sometimes common for ferrets to mourn when someone leaves that they are used to being around, the loss of weight and the lump on the tummy ARE things to be worried about.

Older ferrets - and we know yours is at least four years old now - are very prone to tumors; it could also be an intestinal blockage.  WHATEVER IT IS.........your ferret needs to get to a vet as soon as possible.  

As ferret owners, this is just normal 'maintenance' on older ferrets. They eventually all get *something* wrong with them and sometimes they are things that can be fixed by a vet; sometimes not and we have to help them so they don't die in pain.  Either way, you DEFINITELY need to get this little one to a vet immediately for an exam and I'm sure the vet can answer all your questions.

Do you have an "exotics" vet in your area that you are seeing?  If not, please write back with your city, state and zip code and I'll try to find one in your area. Also, you can look in your phone book yellow pages and see if any vet has "exotics" in their ad.  A regular dog and cat vet just won't work for ferrets with problems like this - ferrets are very different, have different problems and need specialized care.

Please don't wait; each day you wait your little one gets weaker and his chance of surviving gets less and less.  Let me know what you find out?  My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your little guy.

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers