Ferret coughing any ideas please

[tegater 789]

Probably going to have to go to vets with this one, but thought I would ask around first for any help/advice.

 

One of my young jills from last year, has developed a very wet and rattling sounding cough, almost like it has fluid in its windpipe.

 

It also looks slightly thinner but that might just be due to loosing its winter coat.

 

Any ideas please or has anybody experienced the same thing.

 

Thanks.

[northern lad 2,293]

think id be off to the vet sharpish mate,sounds like a chest/throat infection possibly wouldnt hang about they can go down fast,let us know how you get on,dave

[The one 8,598]

At best all you can do is look in her mouth check if there's a obstruction any more and its a vet job for antibiotics

[tegater 789]

think id be off to the vet sharpish mate,sounds like a chest/throat infection possibly wouldnt hang about they can go down fast,let us know how you get on,dave

At best all you can do is look in her mouth check if there's a obstruction any more and its a vet job for antibiotics

 

Thanks fellas

[ferret100 47]

Coughing can be very common this time of year, during moulting they can swallow a lot of hair which irritates the throat and can present a nasty cough.

 

If your ferts are moulting, might be best to change bedding every 3 days to reduce the cast hair and reduce the irritation.

 

If the coughing persists, certainly take it to a vet. Obstructions in the mouth are usually very obvious. Problems in the airway are a nuisance, ferts have a very narrow throat that requires a GA to have a proper look.

 

Any discharge from the eyes/ears/nose/mouth needs a vet to check out.

 

There may be a chance your ferret has caught some sort of virus, so a course of a/bs and some Metcam might be needed.

 

Best of luck and hope it's just some swallowed fur.

Edited April 26, 2012 by ferret100