Download REPRODUCTIVE DISEASE IN FERRETS

FERRETS – SKIN DISEASES
What are the most common skin problems?
The main skin diseases in ferrets are associated with parasites - fleas, mites and ticks - with bacterial skin disease
occurring after trauma and tumours such as squamous cell carcinoma and mast cell tumours. Skin disease can occur
around the muzzle and on the footpads in distemper and information on this can be found in the Ferrets - Respiratory
Disease Information Sheet. Alopecia (loss of hair) occurs in persistent oestrus and in adrenal gland disease - coverage of
these conditions is given in Information Sheets on Ferrets - Reproductive and Hormonal disease. These conditions do
show the importance of a general clinical examination in any animal with skin disease, since often the skin problem is a
manifestation of a more serious generalised condition.
What causes ferrets to have an unpleasant smell?
A consideration not related to skin disease but to a normal physiological function of the skin glands is that of the
characteristic odour of a ferret, particularly a male animal. Some prospective ferret owners consider this unpleasant,
which is probably a good indication that ferrets are not the pet of choice for these people! Anal gland removal is
sometimes suggested as an ameliorative step in such cases but while these glands produce secretions with a very strong
musky odour, liberated when the animal is stressed or frightened, the general ferret odour arises from sebaceous glands
widely spread over the skin. Castration reduces this odour but does not prevent it completely.
Thin dull haircoat can be associated with an inadequate diet and self excoriation can lead to skin disease in animals
housed with insufficient bedding.
Flea infestation
Flea infestation is not uncommon in pet ferrets but occurs more so in working animals housed outside. Itching or pruritis
is the most common sign with hair loss around the back in heavy infestations. Treatment uses the standard flea control
measures as in cats and dogs but the smaller size of the ferret means that a substantially smaller dose should be used.
This smaller size means that the ratio of skin surface area to body weight is substantially higher and giving the same
duration of spray as for, say, a cat or small dog leads to the possibility of toxic levels of drug being absorbed. The best way
to use a spray on a ferret is first to spray a cloth and then rub this into the ferret's coat. Organophosphate flea
medications should be avoided in ferrets since safe levels of the drug has not been ascertained in this species.
Ear mites
Ear mites are common in pet ferrets with presenting signs of headshaking and ear scratching. A waxy discharge from the
ears may be noted and in severe cases scratching produces self-excoriation with crusty scars visible around the ear. Mite
identification is possible with microscopy of the waxy ear exudate. The affected animal should be treated with the drug
ivermectin injected under the skin every two weeks until the signs resolve. All in contact animals should be treated. Local
therapy for ear inflammation may also be valuable until the ivermectin has killed all mites present.
Sarcoptic mange
Sarcoptic mange or scabies is not seen commonly in ferrets but can effect either the feet alone or the whole body in a more
generalised manner. In the localised form of the disease severe inflammation with pruritis is seen with swollen crusted
paws, developing into a condition, known as in the world of the working ferret as foot-rot, where the whole foot
can be
lost. Ivermectin together with local and generalised antibiotic treatment is curative in both
the pedal and the more generalised form.
Ticks
Ticks are commonly found on working ferrets and should not be removed by pulling the tick, which is likely to leave the
mouthparts embedded in the skin. Neat ivermectin can be painted onto the tick or a tube of ethanol inverted over the
parasite until it is anaesthetised and can readily be removed.
Bacterial disease
Bacteria readily colonise bites and scratches gained during fights or in juvenile play. In most cases the ferret's own
immune system resolves the infection but in severe cases topical or systemic antibiotics are required. Given that the
normal bacteria in the ferret skin are predominantly Gram positive cocci, a drug such as fusidic acid works well but in
cases where a Gram negative organism or even a Gram positive anaerobic species such as
Actinomyces occurs a culture and sensitivity performed on a bacteriological sample will show which antibiotics should be
used.
Skin tumours
A large study of skin tumours in ferrets in 1993 showed basal cell tumours to be the most common but this was in a
population of ferrets housed indoors. No squamous cell carcinomas were reported in that study although in working
ferrets housed outdoors, anecdotal evidence suggests a reasonably high incidence of this UV-related tumour. Diagnosis
and treatment is by removal of the mass under anaesthetic. Tumours of the sweat glands are rare but have been reported
and unfortunately these tumours are aggressive, with rapid metastasis (spread) to internal organs.
Ark Veterinary Centre