Other Pets

Ferrets

Ferrets are wonderful pets with amazingly individual personalities. There are several common health problems in ferrets, especially ferrets that were bred within the United States. These include cancer of the adrenal glands and pancreas, stomach ulcers, bladder stones, and viral diseases that result in severe diarrhea.

It is important to have every ferret examined on an annual basis, more often if there is any concern. If a ferret has diarrhea for more than two days, isn’t eating for more than two days, is straining to urinate, seems very itchy, or is lethargic, she/he should be seen as soon as possible.

Rats

Rats can also be great pets. They are relatively hardy, and can have fun personalities. The most common health problems with rats include tumors (which are often treatable with surgery) and abscesses (which require immediate treatment and antibiotics).

Rabbits

The very soft pets play a large role in many people’s lives. Rabbits can live a long time, and can even be litter box trained! It is very important that rabbit owners support the rabbits hind end whenever lifting their pet, because their back muscles are strong enough to actually fracture their spine if they struggle hard.

Rabbits also need to have their teeth evaluated regularly, and their front teeth continue to grow throughout life. If these teeth do not rub each other down, the teeth will get so long that the rabbit cannot eat.

Abscess, or closed infections, are common in rabbits and can be fatal. Thus, if you notice an unusual swelling or odor from your rabbit, have him/her seen immediately.