The ferret is a small carnivorous mammal belonging to the Mustelidae family. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a pet, so on our site we will inform you of the most important things about this species.
Distemper is a disease that is fatal for these animals in most cases, so knowing how it manifests itself and the best way to avoid contagion is essential to avoid a sad outcome. That is why we present you this article on distemper in ferrets, its symptoms and treatment Keep reading!
How is it spread?
Distemper, also called Carré or distemper, is a disease of viral origin. It is produced by the Paramyxoviridae virus, and although it is usually related to dogs, it also affects other mammals, such as ferrets.
Contagion occurs very easily, since it travels in the air, but it is also transmitted by direct contact with the virus. It can occur when your ferret is near another animal that carries the disease, be it another ferret, a dog or even raccoons, wolves, skunks and other species, which transmit the virus through feces, saliva or eye secretions characteristic of distemper.
Also, the virus is capable of surviving for hours on any object, whether it belongs to the infected pet, or that you you carry home without knowing it, for example when you step in urine from an infected animal or have been near the carrier. Even in rocks and soils, strains can be preserved. Similarly, veterinary tables and utensils where a pet with distemper has been examined are potential factors for the spread of the disease. Any unvaccinated ferret is susceptible to the disease
Symptoms of distemper in ferrets
The symptoms are diverse and, if not detected in time, they worsen until they cause the death of the ferret. After contact with the virus, the disease will manifest between 6 to 12 days later, and it is common to confuse it at first with a simple influenza. Among the symptoms that appear at the beginning it is possible to mention:
- General Fatigue
- Fever over 39 degrees Celsius
- Hyperkeratosis (hardening of the foot pads)
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Dehydration
- Lack of appetite
- Purulent discharge from the eyes and nose
- Eye pain
- Irritation in the anal area
- Peeling skin on fingers, mouth, and chin
- Light sensitivity
It may happen that not all of these symptoms occur simultaneously. When it gets worse, the distemper virus attacks the ferret's nervous system and brain. From that moment his legs stop responding and he suffers from constant convulsions; death eventually overtakes him, after a few days.
How is the diagnosis made?
You should not wait for the full symptoms to manifest, because every minute counts when treating distemper in ferrets Ante the first symptoms of fatigue or lack of appetite, it is essential to go to the vet to make the diagnosis.
medical of the animal, including the vaccinations that have been applied. In addition, a complete physical, blood tests and immunofluorescence tests with secretions from the nose and eyes.
Treatment of distemper in ferrets
Unfortunately, distemper is fatal to ferrets 99% of the time, only 1% survive. There is no cure or specific medication for the disease, so the treatment applied has palliative purposes, that is, it is intended to reduce pain and discomfort experienced by the ferret.
antibiotics and antipyretics are recommended, as well as some cream or ointment that can improve paw discomfort. Similarly, weakness will prevent the small mammal from eating, thus requiring assisted fluid-based feeding
It is necessary to be aware that the virus can worsen at any time and attack the nervous system, in which case there is no therapy that can reverse the imminent proximity of death. In these cases, euthanasia, applied by a professional, is recommended to avoid pain and suffering to the ferret. To avoid a sad outcome, it is necessary to diagnose early and apply the treatment indicated by the veterinarian immediately.
Vaccination and prevention of distemper in ferrets
Fortunately, it is possible to protect your ferret from the terrible distemper virus by vaccinating it against the disease There are different types of vaccines and their names The commercial ones vary in each country, and may be called Purevax-D, Maxivac Prima DP, among many others. Your vet will tell you which one is available.
If you have a young ferret and you don't know if he's vaccinated, or have any way of knowing, it's best to get him vaccinated immediately. Pregnant females can receive the vaccine and thus pass the protection to their offspring, but it must be applied from day 35 after fertilization and only when the veterinarian so recommends.
If the mother has been vaccinated, once born the offspring will be protected from distemper only for the following 9 weeks, after which it is necessary to apply the first corresponding dose. Then, the next booster will come after 3 months, to finally need revaccination only once a year.
In some ferrets the vaccine can cause allergic reactions, so it is recommended to wait in the office for an hour and be attentive in home for the rest of the day.
Part of prevention also implies that neither the ferret nor any animal in the family is exposed to contact with ferrets that could be suffering from distemper. Similarly, if you have a pair of ferrets at home, it will be necessary to separate them if one of them contracts the disease.
