We know what the major diseases of the ferrets are. The question is what should we, as health care providers and professionals, do with this information. For years in veterinarian medicine we have simply waited until the disease is present along with the debilitating effects,and then started discussing the problem. The perfect approach is to prevent theses diseases from occurring. When we are unable to prevent disease (which is actually the case in most of these diseases), we should focus on early detection. It is by all means in our opinion better to detect developing disease prior to clinical signs than after the ferret is suffering with full blown disease. With this in mind, our recommended health program is as follows. 

Vaccinations

Every ferret should be properly vaccinated for Canine Distemper. 

6 months 

Blood glucose 

1-2 years of age 

Every 6 months: Physical including weight, close attention to hair coat and proper abdominal palpation

Every 6 months: Blood glucose

Every year: Count Blood Count and Blood Chemistries for organ screens 

3 years plus

Every 6 months :Physical including weight, close attention to hair coat and proper abdominal palpation

Every 6 months: Blood glucose

Every year: Count Blood Count and Blood Chemistries for organ screens

Abdominal radiographs 

Thoracic radiographs 

Important Note

Remember the body of the ferret is aging about 4 years every 3 months. Early detection of disease often reduces cost of treating disease in advanced stages and improved quality of life.
 

Our health packages have been put together to provide the best health information about your ferret with the goal of early disease detection. The screening for these common diseases does not mean your ferret will not develop other diseases or even one of these diseases at a later date.