Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Introduction
Signs of chronic pain in ferrets
In a ferret , clinical signs of chronic pain can be subtle , such as sleeping more , acquiring new habits or behaviours , or developing an unkempt appearance due to the ferret being unable to maintain its own hygiene . Further information on chronic pain behaviours can be found in Part 1 of this series ( VNJ , December 2024 , p . 16 – 31 ).
It is important to clarify that some general changes in the behaviour of geriatric ferrets , such as playing for shorter periods of time , may or may not be related to pain . However , lying flat after a few seconds of activity ( or ‘ speed bumping ’) is not considered normal and should be evaluated [ 1 ] .
Causes of chronic pain in ferrets
• Cancer pain , osteoarthritis and dental disease are common causes of chronic pain in ferrets [ 2 ]
• Cardiomyopathy , chronic gastrointestinal disease and renal disease are seen in geriatric ferrets [ 1 ]
• Undetected pathological fractures can occur in younger ferrets as a result of imbalanced nutrition [ 3 , 4 ] .
The following descriptions indicate a decline in a patient ' s condition that would require veterinary intervention or a discussion about euthanasia [ 1 ] .
Indicators of a decline in the condition of a ferret
• Dull eyes
• Nausea , indicated by licking , hypersalivation , retching , pawing at the mouth and aversion to food
• Lack of appetite and / or actively protesting at being hand-fed
• Dehydration , indicated by cool extremities , sunken eyes , skin tenting and dry mucous membranes ( Figure 1 )
• Reluctance to move , difficulty rousing
• Vocalisation on moving or handling
• Black , tarry faeces ( melaena )
• Reduced toileting and / or a reluctance to move away from toileting area
• Increased sleeping pattern
• Inability to maintain body temperature
• Reduced management of hygiene
The importance of regular veterinary health checks
Domestic ferrets have a life expectancy of 5 – 7 years and are considered geriatric at 3 years of age [ 1 ] . It is recommended that ferrets between the ages of 3 and 6 years have a veterinary check-up at least once a year . These consultations should include a detailed clinical examination , bloodwork , urinalysis , dental prophylaxis and any other tests based on the ferret ' s individual needs . For ferrets over 6 years old , check-ups should be performed every 6 months [ 1 ] .
In the authors ' experience , it is uncommon for owners to undertake regular preventative health checks . However , this may change with increasing owner education on ferret health and welfare , which would enable problems to be identified earlier .
Managing chronic pain or end-of-life care in ferrets
The management of chronic pain or end-of-life care in the ferret patient is imperative ; however , it is important that owners are provided with some criteria to help them understand if and when euthanasia would be in the interest of the patient ' s welfare .
Figure 1 . A collapsed , dehydrated and hypothermic ferret receiving warm intravenous fluids .
Volume 40 ( 2 ) • April 2025
31