Whenever a ferret appears to be lethargic or there is a sudden change in its behavior, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended (see Ferrets: When to See a Veterinarian). Ferrets may hide signs of illness or discomfort until the illness is advanced, so a sick ferret can rapidly become critically ill.

Ferrets with an intestinal blockage will stop eating and defecating and may cough, choke, or begin vomiting with advanced disease. Any ferret with signs of vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for more than 24 hours should be evaluated by a veterinarian because ferrets can quickly become dehydrated and weak. An occasional soft or irregular stool is not usually a problem. Bloody droppings can occur in both young and old ferrets for different reasons. Whatever the age of your ferret, if you notice bloody or dark, tarry droppings, you should seek veterinary care for your pet right away.

Poor eyesight and insatiable curiosity make ferrets susceptible to falls and other types of trauma, which may result in broken bones or internal injuries. Bent or disjointed limbs, limping, or difficulty coordinating the back legs may indicate a broken bone or other problems. There are many problems in ferrets that can lead to weakness of the back legs; any time this problem is seen, a veterinarian should be consulted.

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When to See a Veterinarian See a veterinarian immediately if you notice: See a veterinarian within 24 hours if you notice: Weak pulse or low or quiet heart beat Continuous sneezing or coughing Bluish or white gums or tongue Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours Broken bones Excessive water consumption Puncture wounds to the abdomen or chest Sudden change in behavior Bite marks Sleeping more than usual and unwilling to play Heavy bleeding Cloudy eyes, squinting, or inability to see Burns, frostbite or a fever above 105°F (40.5°C) A rash, excessive shedding, excessive head shaking, or persistent chewing or scratching of the body Choking A nose bleed for no apparent reason Protruding rectum Abnormal lumps that are not painful Bloody, foul-smelling, or uncontrollable diarrhea Lack of appetite, but no other signs of illness Thick, black stools Soft stools not accompanied by pain, blood, foul smells, or straining Straining but failing to defecate or urinate Sudden weight gain or loss Extreme lethargy Drooling Seizures Lameness for more than 24 hours Staggering or other problems walking Swollen joints Sudden, severe lameness Moderate itching Severe or constant pain Discharge from the eyes, ears, or other body openings Failure to eat or drink for 24 hours Difficulty breathing, or shallow breathing Bloody urine, discomfort while urinating, or bleeding from the urinary or genital area When to See a Veterinarian See a veterinarian immediately if you notice: See a veterinarian within 24 hours if you notice: Weak pulse or low or quiet heart beat Continuous sneezing or coughing Bluish or white gums or tongue Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours Broken bones Excessive water consumption Puncture wounds to the abdomen or chest Sudden change in behavior Bite marks Sleeping more than usual and unwilling to play Heavy bleeding Cloudy eyes, squinting, or inability to see Burns, frostbite or a fever above 105°F (40.5°C) A rash, excessive shedding, excessive head shaking, or persistent chewing or scratching of the body Choking A nose bleed for no apparent reason Protruding rectum Abnormal lumps that are not painful Bloody, foul-smelling, or uncontrollable diarrhea Lack of appetite, but no other signs of illness Thick, black stools Soft stools not accompanied by pain, blood, foul smells, or straining Straining but failing to defecate or urinate Sudden weight gain or loss Extreme lethargy Drooling Seizures Lameness for more than 24 hours Staggering or other problems walking Swollen joints Sudden, severe lameness Moderate itching Severe or constant pain Discharge from the eyes, ears, or other body openings Failure to eat or drink for 24 hours Difficulty breathing, or shallow breathing Bloody urine, discomfort while urinating, or bleeding from the urinary or genital area

Last full review/revision July 2011 by James K. Morrisey, DVM, DABVP (Avian)