Case 7
A female ferret that was born with an undiagnosed neurological condition that caused hindlimb ataxia , as well as sudden urges to bite her hindfeet ( Figure 17 ). The use of gabapentin helped reduce the self-mutilation .
Case 9
A male ferret with abdominal pain . The patient had a dull , spiked , clumped coat and a grimacing facial expression , and was anorexic . He intermittently exhibited behaviour that included pulling the facial expression seen in Figures 19 and 20 , with occasional spasms of his whole body . The patient also had wholebody spasms and vocalised while defaecating .
Figure 17 . The Case 7 ferret biting her hindfeet . Photo : Pam Weaver , Fluffy Retreat Ferret Rescue .
Signs of severe pain
Signs of severe pain in ferrets are more likely to be noticed by owners and veterinary staff , although they can still be missed or overlooked . The signs include an extreme change in behaviour , facial grimacing , jaw clenching , teeth grinding , guarding or tensing of the painful body area , lying prone or horizontal , vocalising , being minimally responsive or unresponsive , or unable to support their own weight . Patients with these signs are an emergency .
Figure 19 . The Case 9 ferret .
Case studies with signs of severe pain
Case 8
A collapsed male ferret that was in shock with a severely painful abdomen due to a gastric foreign body ( rubber toy ). The patient showed facial grimacing , a dull coat , reduced consciousness and inability to lift his head ( Figure 18 ).
Figure 18 . The Case 8 ferret , which was unable to lift his head .
Figure 20 . The Case 9 ferret .
24 Veterinary Nursing Journal