Remember, there are no stupid questions when it comes to the health of your ferrets and we all learn on a continuous basis.

• Poop Chart
• black, tarry stools may mean ulcers (especially in combination with other ulcer symptoms - see Ulcer Page)
• bloody stools can be signs of internal hemorrhage, or cancer
• neon green, slimy/mucousy and/or fishy smelling poops may mean ECE
• plain green poops without neon, mucous & foul fish odor could be food that has passed through the digestive system too quickly
• bird seedy poops - maldigestion/malabsorption - undigested fat and starches / try feeding a bland diet for a few days (no hard kibble - use duck soup)
• bird seedy poops can also sometimes be a symptom of ECE
• straining to poop, or pencil thin poops could be sign of blockage (see Blockages page)
• continuous loose stools/diarrhea for prolonged period - see your Vet
• It is important to note that one or two occurrences of irregular poops does not automatically mean your ferret has something wrong.  Some fuzzies have "bad" poops from time to time.  You need to learn to spot when something is really wrong.  If the "bad" poops continue, or obviously if they are the black, tarry or bloody poops, take your ferret to your Vet ASAP.

• Difficulty or inability to urinate/male dribbling - may be a UTI or Kidney infection - Vet ASAP!
• Blood in Urine - could be a UTI or kidney infection - Vet ASAP!
• Yellowing of skin, eyes, nose - Possible liver problems
• Respiratory trouble or flu symptoms- watch for runny eyes, nose or excessive sneezing/coughs or trouble breathing.  Ferrets can catch the flu.
• Excessive vomiting and/or Distended Stomach- (especially with lack of appetite) may be a symptom of a blockage especially if the ferret is having trouble defecating. (See Blockages Page) It is important to know the signs of blockages - and get to a Vet ASAP if your ferret has them
• Excessive lethargic behavior unlike your ferret's normal behavior, playtime behavior and sleep patterns for prolonged period - could be the sign of illness.
• Excessive hair loss - ferrets do go through shedding and coat changes - but some forms of hair loss are symptoms of adrenal - most commonly across the shoulder blades, on the rump and tail.
• Swollen vulva in Female - if female has been spayed, this may be a symptom of a partial spay, or a sign of adrenal. Pus is a sign of infection.
• Pale/White Gums - can be sign of anemia
• Grinding Teeth and/or Pawing at the Mouth - may be a symptom of an ulcer. (see Ulcers page - it is important to know how to spot the signs of an ulcer and get to the Vet ASAP if your ferret has them)
• Biting (when not a biter normally) or tearing up toys - could be sign of ulcers, or internal pain, or illness.
• Refusal to eat and/or drink - Your ferret must eat often and stay hydrated.  If they have stopped eating and drinking get them to a Vet ASAP - if you need to, make duck soup and syringe feed - use Pedialyte to hydrate.  This will not take the place of Vet care but will get some food in your ferret until you get to the Vet - in case you must wait overnight to get to your Vet. 
• External Growth - wart-like growth that grows, could be a cyst needing minor surgical removal
• New odor or spraying at odd times other than excitement/fear (in scented ferrets) may indicate a blocked scent gland
• Seizures/Drooling/Clenched Teeth/Hind Leg Weakness /Staggering/Falling Over/Fainting/Staring Into Space- could be sign(s) of Insulinoma (see Insulinoma Page)
• Staggering and falling over may also be from an inner ear infection
• Lopsided Abdomen and/or hardened area along abdomen - could be internal tumor, or enlarged spleen especially if ferret is overly lethargic and laying flat a lot
• Black, reddish brown, or blood specked ear wax - could be sign of ear mites, especially if your ferret keeps scratching its ears.

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