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Kidney or renal diseases in ferrets are uncommon, but not rare.
Symptoms and Types
Renal diseases can come on suddenly (acute) for ferrets, or can occur over a period of more than three months (chronic). During its early stages, renal disease displays little or no symptoms; although the ferret can show vague symptoms like lethargy and changes in behavior.
The common symptoms of kidney disease are lethargy, increased thirst, lack of appetite, loss of weight, increase in urination (polyuria), dehydration, weakness, ulcers in the mouth, and depression.
In medical cases of stones and cysts, the ferret may have pain and problem in urinating. If the stone is in the urethra, it may also have bloody urine.
Causes
The most common causes of kidney disease in ferrets are:
- Infection (Aleutian disease)
- Autoimmune disease
- Side effects from medication
- Cancer or tumor
- Kidney cysts
- Stones in the kidney, urinary bladder or urinary tract
- Toxicity
Diagnosis
The veterinarian will perform a physical examination and conduct a full medical history. This will include a complete blood count, urine tests, X-rays, blood chemistry test, an Ultrasound, and an endoscopy and biopsy, if required.
lethargy
The condition of being drowsy, listless, or weak
polyuria
Excessive urination
urethra
A tube found between the bladder and the outside of the body; used to assist in urination.
laser
A type of light device that transfers a bright beam; this is used for many medical purposes
dehydration
A medical condition in which the body has lost fluid or water in excessive amounts
autoimmune disease
Any disease in which an animal's body creates antibodies that are used against itself.
biopsy
The process of removing tissue to examine it, usually for medical reasons.
acute
Term used to imply that a situation or condition is more severe than usual; also used to refer to a disease having run a short course or come on suddenly.
