Over a period of time I had noticed that the abdomen of Toby was becoming pot bellied in shape. Although he did not appear to be distressed by it, I felt it prudent that my vet ought to be consulted.
After a blood test and X-ray, the thought was he might either have a cancer or heart failure. A second opinion was sought with the use an ultra sound scan and heart failure was diagnosed. Toby had considerable fluid drained, 300 ml on one occasion and is placed on a diuretic to reduce the fluid retention, plus a medication to help his heart.
Because of his weakened condition he resided indoors because the outdoor temperatures dropped with the onset of winter.
Toby eventually became so ill it was unrealistic to continue treatment and was put to sleep by the vet in February 2006.
After a blood test and X-
Because of his weakened condition he resided indoors because the outdoor temperatures dropped with the onset of winter.
Toby eventually became so ill it was unrealistic to continue treatment and was put to sleep by the vet in February 2006.
Pot bellied appearance in ferrets can indicate heart failure.
This x-ray gives an indication as to the extent of the swelling.
As time progressed it can seen how the disease progressed. His mobility was impeded by the swelling, although otherwise he was in good spirit and eating well.
Ferret heart failure
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