Drooling/lathargic ferret

Question
My 4 year old ferret Damien, has been having some troulbe walking lately. He also started to drool. I have looked at all of the causes of this I can find and none of them fit him. He eats and drinks normally. His stools are still solid and urination is not a problem. He has also been tested for ECE and has not been exposed. Could this just be aging? BTW he still plays with the other ferrets in the house.

Answer
Hello Lou,
I don't usually answer vet questions due to a limited exp. with illness in ferrets (thank goodness).
The only suggestion I may offer is that it could be  
"Insulinoma".
The symptoms for Insulinoma are
episodes of  lethargy, being "out of it" (may even collapse and be unresponsive)
Weakness and incoordination, especially of the hind legs
Often salivation, drooling at the mouth episodes
Severe episodes can result in seizures, and occasionally coma
Appetite often normal, sometimes decreased .
Here is a more comprehensive webpage :

http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/ferrets/a/ferrinsulinoma.htm

 I can also tell you that this does affect ferrets in his age range, so it is a good possiblity. The symptoms you describe are not normal aging symptoms. I hope this helps, and please keep me posted!
Amy