need help

Question
hi my name is Brooke and i have recently just got a 1 year old ferret and i have notice 3 days ago that he has a blue and black mark around his penis. but today the mark got darker and he is now leaking pee. Should i go to a vet or wait and see.

Answer
I will address the two symptoms separately and you'll understand why.

Often if sable (dark furred) ferrets are growing in new fur - if it's in an area that rubs the floor when they walk (if they are chubby, etc), the skin will look bruised before the fur comes in.  IF the area is bald, the "bruised" looking area *probably* just means he is going to grow some fur there.

HOWEVER, anytime a ferret 'leaks' urine, it is a good idea to get it checked by a vet.  Is he leaking when he's walking?  It's not unusual for them to dribble a few drops as they exit the litterbox (usually on the edge of the litterbox, where he could also be dragging the area and wearing the fur off).

Is there ANY other symptom at all?  Is he eating/drinking/playing/pooping and peeing without straining?  Those are the things that even one symptom would indicate a visit to the vet necessary.  

I'm not sure that's a lot of help for you.  In the end, it's always a better idea to let a vet have a look at your ferret just to be sure everything is okay.   Be sure the vet you use specializes in ferrets - regular dog and cat vets often just don't know about ferrets enough to give a good exam.  

If you are unsure of how to locate a ferret vet, you can try this site:  http://www.ferretcentral.org and click on "resources", then on "U.S. Vets" and find your state, then city and see if there is one near you.  If that doesn't work, there are other sites and if you write me again with your  city, I will be happy to further research for you.

Best of luck to you - you are  a wise owner to keep a close eye on your ferret.  They tend to hide their illnesses and can become pretty sick before most people notice anything is wrong.  Keep up the good work!!

And, don't hesitate to write again.

jacquie