Ferret Health

Ferrets can be appealing and equally challenging as an exotic pet. It is estimated that most ferret owners have more than one ferret in their household and are more willing to seek out veterinary care now than compared to previous years.

By the age of 3 years or older, a ferret may be diagnosed with adrenocortical disease, an endocrinopathy that can prove life-threatening. Approximately 70% of pet ferrets in the US will be affected by adrenal cortical disease.¹ Fortunately there are some options for management of this disease process.

The hormone implant that we provide for veterinarians to administer to ferrets has approval by the FDA and generally is effective for one year.

References:

1. Simone-Freilicher E. Adrenal gland disease in ferrets. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2008;11(1):125–137.
2. Wagner RA, et al, Clinical and endocrine responses to treatment with deslorelin acetate implants in ferrets with adrenocortical disease, AJVR, Vol 66, No. 5, May 2005, pp910-914.
3. Lennox AM, Wagner R, Comparison of 4.7-mg deslorelin implants and surgery for the treatment of adrenocortical disease in ferrets, JEPM 21 (2012), pp 332.335.
4. Buillot C, et al, Use of a gonadotropin Releasing hormone agonist implant containing 4.7 mg deslorelin for medical castration in male ferrets (Mustela putorius furo), Inter J Appl Res Vet Med, 12 (1), 2014, pp 67-75.