Congenital Peripheral Vestibular Syndrome in a Domestic Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

Ferret Pediatrics

Ferrets are bred to be pets, utilized for hunting, and as laboratory models. Despite the fact that ferrets in some areas of the world are neutered by the breeder before entering the pet trade, the importance of pediatric management should not be overlooked. Pregnant, whelping, and lactating jills should be closely monitored and kept in a quiet, stress-free environment. Hand-rearing baby kits is very challenging due to their requirement for ferret milk. Minimizing maternal stress and disease can prevent the need to hand rear kits. Infectious diseases in juvenile ferrets include canine distemper virus, rotavirus, coccidiosis, feline panleukopenia virus (experimental only), and Toxoplasma-like disease. All juvenile ferrets should be vaccinated against canine distemper and rabies. Congenital diseases are reported to affect the auditory, ocular, cardiovascular, urogenital, central nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. Early detection of these diseases is important to prevent the progression of curable diseases.

Musculoskeletal and Neurologic Diseases

Ferrets may exhibit neurologic signs as a result of various conditions that may be of nervous or muscular origin. Neurologic examination follows the same principles as in small animal medicine. One of the main defect that may be screened during clinical examination is deafness. Congenital deafness in ferrets is associated with coat color patterns such as white markings and premature graying.In this species, paresis is a common presentation and may reflect a generalized weakness. Spinal disorder, intervertebral disk disease, and neoplasia are among the differential diagnosis. Diagnostic exams usually include advance diagnostic imaging such as CT-scan associated with myelography. Seizure is usually associated with hypoglycemia and insulinoma, but other causes such as hypocalcemia or intracranial disorders have been described. Ferrets are sensitive to various neurotropic infectious disease such as rabies, distemper, aleutian disease, or systemic coronavirus. Finally, muscular disorder such as disseminated idiopathic myofasciitis and myasthenia gravis have been recently described, and potential treatments have been intended.