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• Reproductive Diseases in Ferrets

  Reproductive disease in ferrets is rare today, as most pet ferrets are spayed or neutered at a young age. One disease that is still occasionally seen in pet ferrets occurs in females that are not spayed. This is called hyperestrogenemia and is a result of persistently high blood levels of estrogen in unspayed females that are not bred or fails to ovulate.

• Respiratory Diseases in Ferrets

  Respiratory disease in ferrets is common. Several infectious/contagious conditions like distemper and influenza can be life threatening for ferrets. Like dogs and cats, ferrets can develop heartworm disease, even indoors. Lymphoma, a cancerous condition of lymph organs can cause disease in the chest cavity.

• Rodents: Feeding

  Pet rodents have slightly different nutritional requirements depending on the species. All must be fed a good, high-quality rodent chow available at pet stores. This handout discusses common questions about feeding pet rodents.

• Safe Handling of Medications at Home

  Medications can do more harm than good if they are stored or administered incorrectly. Protect your family and pets by handling medications safely. Here are some best practices for medication safety.

• Salicylic Acid Topical

  Salicylic acid topical (brand name Solva-Ker®, BioSeb®, Cerasoothe® SA, others) is an antimicrobial and antipruritic (anti-itching) agent used in the treatment of seborrheic (dry or greasy dandruff) disorders in cats, dogs, and other animals. It may be specially compounded and/or combined into a formulation with other medications. It comes in cream, gel, ointment, and shampoo forms.

• Serum, Autologous: Ophthalmic

  Ophthalmic autologous serum is a blood-derived product used to treat corneal ulcers in animals. Ophthalmic autologous serum is part of the blood and is collected directly from the patient. It is in liquid form.

• Sharing Your Pet's Medical Records

  Your pet's medical records provide a complete, organized history of their health. They include previous illnesses, test results, treatments, medications, and responses to treatment. This handout outlines why these records are so important for your pet's veterinary care.

• Silver Sulfadiazine Topical

  Silver sulfadiazine topical is an antimicrobial used to treat skin infections and burns in cats, dogs, and exotic pets. It is used off label in veterinary medicine. Silver sulfadiazine topical comes in a topical cream.

• Silymarin (Milk Thistle)

  Silymarin, also called milk thistle, is a nutritional supplement used to treat a variety of liver conditions, diseases, and toxicities in cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, horses, and other companion animals. It may also have some efficacy in helping to prevent certain cancers, preventing chemotherapy side effects, and protecting the kidneys.

• Skin Diseases in Ferrets

  Ferrets commonly develop skin diseases, including infections with parasites (fleas, mites, ticks), bacteria, viruses (distemper), and fungus (ringworm). They are also subject to both benign and malignant tumors, including mast cell tumors. Adrenal tumors also cause hair loss and itchy skin in ferrets. All skin problems should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian, who will recommend the most appropriate treatment for the specific problem.