Ferret Cases

Uzo, an abandoned adult male neutered and descented ferret was brought to us by Randy Belair, the founder and operator of the Ferret Aid Society of Toronto, the first shelter in this area to be dedicated solely to the treatment and rehabilitation of abandoned and abused ferrets.

Uzo had been losing his fur and the symmetrical alopecia prompted Randy to have a veterinarian confirm a diagnosis of an adrenal tumour. The treatment for this progressive condition is surgical removal of the offending gland. This is not a commonly performed surgical procedure and, apart from the cost, is fraught with complications as the adrenal glands in a ferret lie very close to major abdominal blood vessels and are embedded in fat deposits.

However, Randy's determination to have Uzo treated ended at our hospital and with the financial blessing of local benefactors, we scheduled Uzo for the surgery. On a preanesthetic exam, we found Uzo to be older than expected and that he had a heart murmur that would complicate having him under the anesthetic for too long. With a rapidly deteriorating ferret, we decided that this was the time to do something to improve his quality of life.

Pre-op preparations were made and Uzo was taken into surgery where on an exploratory laparotomy, a large (2.5cm) tumour was found in very close attatchment to the inferior vena cava, a major bloodvessel returing blood from the body to the heart. This was a heart-stopping moment as given the pre-existing conditions, a prolonged surgery may have had adverse effects. Via a telephonic headset, Randy was contacted and the tearful sound of her voice confirmed the decision to proceed with the surgery. 90 minutes later, the huge tumour was removed without major complications.

Uzo made a remarkable recovery and was discharged the next day to an ecstatic Randy and her mother! We will monitor his progress and keep you informed.

Thank you to Randy, her mother, supporters of the F.A.S.T. and the two benefactors who made this surgery possible

(Uzo means "fire" in my native language, Konkani, and I'm sure all who have come into contact with him have gained the spark of his life /ks)

Follow this links for more information on Adrenal Disease in Ferrets

Russ, a 6 year old albino neutered and descented inquisitive male was referred to us from another local hospital for weight-loss, anorexia, occasional vomiting and diarrhea which was progressively getting worse.

On a physical exam, Russ was notably thin but not emaciated. The history that there was some food intake but the bouts of vomiting were becoming more frequent pointed at a progressively deteriorating condition. The stools were greenish mucous with the occasional blood streak. Supportive care in-hospital with fluids, oral syringe feeding and supplementation was non-responsive to a point that, although Russ was no longer vomiting, he was not getting any better. X-rays, blood tests and fecals were non-diagnostic so we were only left with the option of an exploratory laparotomy.

All organ systems were normal except for 2 areas of the small intestine, which appeared reddish brown and swollen. On investigating the first one, we found a bunch of "seeds" with sharp tips that had perforated the bowel. A similar accumulation of material was found at the second site. Closure of the bowel and abdomen was uneventful but the integrity of the bowel was questionable. The owner opted against bowel resection for financial reasons.

On being presented with the material, he immediately recognized it as pieces of non-slip rubber coated fibre matting that had hardened with the gastric & intestinal secretions. He traced it back to a portion that was missing from under an area rug in his apartment!

Unfortunately, the indentification of the dangerous material came too late for Russ, he developed peritonitis and died 2 days later. He had probably carried the foreign material in him for over 5 weeks!

Ferrets are wonderfully inquisitive, lively creatures that have not learned to be selective about what they chew on. It is up to us to provide them with a safe environment to live and enjoy their companionship. Be aware of small details in your living area and your ferrets will enjoy a long and healthy life.

Ferret Links