Dr. Rosie DVM

Clinical decision support tool. Does not replace professional veterinary judgment. Always verify recommendations with current references.

Domestic Ferret Dog — Clinical Risk Profile | VetTools | VetTools Clinical Intelligence

Domestic Ferret

FERRET· SMALL· Lifespan: 6-10 years

📋 Breed Predispositions

Condition	Prevalence	Onset	Severity	Screening
Lymphoma	Most common neoplasia	Any age (2 peaks: < 2 years and > 5 years)	LIFE THREATENING	CBC, peripheral lymph node palpation, biopsy
Aplastic Anemia (Estrogen Toxicity)	Intact females only	First estrus if not bred	LIFE THREATENING	PCV if in prolonged estrus
Adrenal Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)	> 70% over age 3	3-7 years	SEVERE	Adrenal panel (estradiol, 17-OH progesterone, DHEA-S) or ultrasound
Insulinoma	> 20% over age 4	4-7 years	SEVERE	Fasting blood glucose (< 60 mg/dL = suspect, < 40 = diagnostic)
Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE — Green Slime Disease)	Common in multi-ferret households	Any age (worst in seniors)	SEVERE	Clinical signs + coronavirus fecal PCR

🩸 Breed-Specific Lab Normals

Test	Breed Normal	General Range	Note
Blood Glucose	65-120 mg/dL	N/A (species-specific)	Fasting glucose < 60 mg/dL is suspect for insulinoma. < 40 mg/dL is diagnostic. Always check fasted (4-6 hrs).
Estradiol	< 100 pg/mL	N/A	Elevated estradiol (+ alopecia, swollen vulva) suggests adrenal disease. DHEA-S and 17-OH progesterone complete the adrenal panel.

🏥 Anesthesia Considerations

⚠ Insulinoma — hypoglycemia during fasting

Fast only 4-6 hours. Check blood glucose before induction. Dextrose bolus on hand. Standard small animal anesthetic protocol otherwise — intubate with 2.5-3.5mm tube.