Why is my elderly ferret spitting up frequently?
Chelsea asked:
I have an 8-year-old female ferret. Since the loss of her cagemate this past summer, I’ve noticed she’s aged quite rapidly and has developed some new physical symptoms. She’s lost a bit of weight, gotten very wobbly on her feet, her hair is thinning all over, she’s gotten very vocal and makes little squeaking/grunting noises all of the time, even while using the litter pan. She also spits up quite frequently, especially when I pick her up, even though i try not to squeeze her belly area. I never see anything come out of her mouth but she nashes her teeth and makes little gagging or coughing gestures. It’s not full vomiting, which I’ve experienced, as i’ve raised 3 ferrets. I’m just concerned that it might be a sign of a more serious medical condition. She’s my first elderly ferret so I’m not sure what is normal behavior for older ferrets and what could be a reason for alarm. If anyone has seen this behavior in older ferrets, I’d really appreciate some input. Thanks
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I have an 8-year-old female ferret. Since the loss of her cagemate this past summer, I’ve noticed she’s aged quite rapidly and has developed some new physical symptoms. She’s lost a bit of weight, gotten very wobbly on her feet, her hair is thinning all over, she’s gotten very vocal and makes little squeaking/grunting noises all of the time, even while using the litter pan. She also spits up quite frequently, especially when I pick her up, even though i try not to squeeze her belly area. I never see anything come out of her mouth but she nashes her teeth and makes little gagging or coughing gestures. It’s not full vomiting, which I’ve experienced, as i’ve raised 3 ferrets. I’m just concerned that it might be a sign of a more serious medical condition. She’s my first elderly ferret so I’m not sure what is normal behavior for older ferrets and what could be a reason for alarm. If anyone has seen this behavior in older ferrets, I’d really appreciate some input. Thanks
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April 25th, 2010 at 10:23 am
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Hi!
I work at an Exotic Vet Hosp. and also have 2 ferrets. Ferret’s tend to have a lot of health problems. Your ferret is very lucky to be so old and only developing symptoms now. It sounds like he might have Insulinoma or/and Adrenal disease. My four year old ferret has both and he had all those symptoms. He is currently on medication twice a day for the insulinoma and an injection once a month for the Adrenal and he is doing great. I suggest you take him to a Vet to check his Glucose level. I hope that helps!
April 27th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
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She could be going through a bout of depression from losing her cagemate, along with a disease.
Not sure on the vocalizations, that could be looking for other ferrets.
For any regurgitation, I would bring your ferret into the vet.
Hair thinning, as long as it is all over, may just be due to age or because of losing weight (same with the wobbly on her feet). Most disease hair loss is patchy, or begins at the tail.
I would try feeding her some baby food (my ferrets love gerber chicken) or the soft ferret dry food (8 in 1 brand maybe?), or canned food- anything to get her to eat a bit more. If she is picky, you could try wetting down her food to make it easier to chew, and more interesting.
Also, do you know anyone else with ferrets? If ECE will not be an issue, I suggest having some ferret “play dates”- mine absolutely love it, and it is a great way to socialize single ferrets.
April 28th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
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It sounds like your ferret has ulcers, amongst other health problems.
You will want to take her to the veterinarian and have them run some blood tests to see whats going on inside her.
I have experience with ferret ulcers, seems alot of ferrets get them easily when a cage mate dies or as they age.
For Ulcers
Veterinarians prescribed sucralfate 1g tabs, cut into 8th and given every 6-8 hrs, mixed with a small amount of water ..the “suc” is rather easy to give in a syringe,oral.
I find that pepcid ac (famotidine) 10mg tabs work just as good if not better, give 4th of a tab 1-2 times a day,oral.
BOTH of the above medications, should be given before eating (about 10-20 mins) since your ferret is a senior I reccommed feeding her prescription diet feline/canine a/d..you can get it at most vets *remember to ask for it** 1 can will last 2-3 days depending on how much your ferret eats, you can warm it with warm water and make an almost creamy soup and drizzle it over her normal food…or just let her slurp it down.
If you have any more questions just email me at
I have had many senior ferrets and have provided them with the best medical help I can get.
I still have ferrets but they are both 9month old babies
Good Luck with your sweet senior girl
April 30th, 2010 at 2:57 am
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Vomiting may be a symptom of an intestinal blockage or partial blockage and should be ruled out asap.
Otherwise, insulinoma is my first impression, but what you’re describing also may be adrenal, or ulcer issues, and quite possibly a combination of things. 8 years is an “senior” age for a ferret, but senior doesn’t mean they can’t be great years.
I have had great luck treating upset stomachs in my ferrets with pepcid (under a vet’s direction to get the right dosage for her weight), and am treating adrenal successfully with Lupron injections in one of my girls right now.
There’s lots that can be done to make her healthy and happy. So head on in to the doc and get your little girl checked out.