Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Table 1 . Multimodal plan for managing chronic pain in ferrets [ 1 , 6 , 9 – 11 ] .
Modality
Notes Interventions • Veterinary checks every 6 – 12 months for ferrets over 3 years old
• Dental procedures to manage dental pain
• Surgery to remove a source of pain
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs )
• NSAIDs are the mainstay of treatment for chronic inflammatory pain
• NSAIDs should be used with caution , as ferrets are susceptible to stomach ulcers
• Gastroprotectants should be used alongside NSAIDs , and always in cases of stressed or sick ferrets
• If long-term NSAIDs are required , alternative analgesics may be considered
Adjunctive analgesia options
• Tramadol
• Amantadine
• Gabapentin
• Transmucosal buprenorphine
• Aspirin [ 10 ]
• Low-dose ketamine has been described in dogs and cats to treat chronic pain , but not in ferrets
Environmental and lifestyle modifications
• Ramps and steps
• Deep , comfortable / orthopaedic bedding
• Heat sources , such as heat pads
• Non-slip flooring
• Careful handling techniques
• Maintain self-care and hygiene
• Reduce risks associated with falling – for example , use a low-level cage , single-level accommodation and padded cage furniture
• Provide easily accessible provisions , such as multiple food and water locations , large and low-sided litter trays , and multiple shelters if living outdoors
Exercise • Careful , controlled and low-impact exercises
Weight optimisation
Supplementary and dietary modifications
• Fat is proinflammatory
• Reduce excess strain on joints
• Senior ferret diets and geriatric ferret formula [ 1 ]
• Chondroprotectants ( limited research / evidence )
• Soft , finely chopped or liquid critical care diets in cases of dental disease or pain on mastication ( such as cases of ear disease ).
• If pain or injury relates to the mouth or jaw , feeding tubes can be used on a short-term basis if the patient has an otherwise good quality of life [ 11 ]
Rehabilitation and adjunctive therapies described in zoological companion animals [ 6 ]
• Physiotherapy
• Soft tissue mobilisation : effleurage , petrissage , stretching , myofascial release , friction massage , percussion
• Thermotherapy
• Acupuncture [ 9 ] and aquapuncture
• Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
• Photobiomodulation therapy ( low-level laser therapy )
Volume 40 ( 2 ) • April 2025
33