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One of the most common veterinary visits for ferrets is stomach blockages. Ferrets are notorious for eating strange materials including rubber, foam, and fabric. Some of the smaller pieces can be passed through the system but many times these indigestible materials remain in the stomach or intestines.

As these foreign objects remain in the system, a ferret can become seriously ill from the bacteria growth on the objects. Larger pieces can block the intestine openings leading to serious complications of the digestive system. Hairballs are also known to cause blockages. Unlike cats, ferrets are unable to cough up hairballs which can lead to the same blockages caused by foreign objects.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of stomach blockages are nausea, pawing at the mouth, drooling, vomiting, appetite loss leading to weight loss, and tar-like stools. In serious cases, the ferret may be unable to pass stools or appears constipated. Seeing small pieces of materials passed into the stool is an obvious sign that your ferret is consuming improper materials.

Pieces that do not pass through the system can block the intestines leading to a serious blockage of the intestines. The stomach may appear swollen and the ferret will object when the stomach is touched. A ferret with a stomach blockage will appear sick and may even make distressful noises.

Treatments

A one-inch ribbon of hairball remedy can sometimes help a ferret pass small pieces of blockages. An x-ray can typically give a veterinarian which course of action is best for the ferret's situation. Large doses of hairball medicine can also be administered but should only be done by an experienced veterinarian.

Blockages that cannot be passed through the intestines will need removed surgically. Many times after the blockage has been removed or passed through the system, the ferret needs supportive care. This may include antibiotics to clear any infections and intravenous fluids for dehydration.

These costly procedures can be avoided by simply ferret-proofing your home. Keeping a watchful eye on your pet when roaming the house can help prevent many of these potentially fatal materials from entering your ferret's system. If you find partially chewed objects in your home, remove them to avoid future problems.

Hairballs can be prevented with regular grooming and administering a one-inch ribbon of hairball remedy two to three times per week. Blockages that are not treated promptly can lead to the death of a ferret, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours. If your ferret appears ill and is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care for your pet.

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
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