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Client education on common conditions in ferrets, including adrenal gland disease, insulinoma and lymphoma. General information that doesn't replace an exam. Common Conditions in Ferrets Client education from Adler Veterinary Hospital, Southwest Florida. These summaries are for general information and don't replace an exam. Adrenal Disease Adrenal disease is one of the most common illnesses of pet ferrets in North America, usually in ferrets over three. More info Heart Disease (DCM) Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart disease in which the heart muscle weakens and the heart enlarges. More info Insulinoma An insulinoma is a tumor of the pancreas that produces too much insulin, causing low blood sugar. More info Distemper Canine distemper is a virus that is almost always fatal in ferrets. More info Helicobacter Gastritis Many ferrets carry the stomach bacterium Helicobacter mustelae. More info Lymphoma Lymphoma is the most common cancer in ferrets, affecting the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other organs. More info ECE (Green Diarrhea) ECE is a contagious intestinal infection caused by a ferret coronavirus. More info Influenza Ferrets can catch human influenza viruses, and they can pass them back. More info Swallowed Objects Ferrets love to chew rubber, foam, and soft plastic, and pieces can block the stomach or intestines. More info

Dilated cardiomyopathy weakens a dog's heart muscle so it can't pump well, and it is a leading cause of heart failure in some large breeds. Learn the signs. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Back to Dogs What is it? DCM begins with degeneration of the heart muscle, especially the wall of the left ventricle. As the muscle weakens, blood backs up, pressure rises, and the chambers stretch and enlarge. Some dogs develop a murmur or an irregular heart rhythm. It is the most common cause of heart failure in several large breeds, including Doberman pinschers, Boxers, and Great Danes, as well as Irish wolfhounds, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and standard and giant schnauzers. It is diagnosed more often in males, and small breeds rarely develop it. The FDA has investigated reports of DCM in dogs, including breeds not usually at risk, that were eating certain diets, many labeled grain-free, with peas, lentils, other legumes, or potatoes high on the ingredient list. The FDA has not established that these foods cause DCM and says it will update the public when meaningful new science is available. If you have questions about your dog's diet, talk with your veterinarian. What signs should I watch for? The disease develops slowly, but signs can appear suddenly. Watch for fast breathing at rest or during sleep (more than about 30 to 35 breaths a minute), harder breathing, restless sleep, coughing or gagging, weakness, tiring easily, fainting or collapse, poor appetite, weight loss, a swollen belly, or a quiet, withdrawn attitude. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will listen to the heart and lungs and may recommend blood and urine tests, cardiac blood markers, chest X-rays, an ECG or 24-hour Holter monitor, and an echocardiogram, which gives the most accurate picture of the heart. Treatment uses heart medications such as pimobendan, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and drugs to control abnormal rhythms. In some breeds, taurine or carnitine supplements help, and dogs with diet-associated DCM may improve with a diet change. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? DCM is serious, and outlook varies. Some dogs do well on treatment for months to a couple of years; Doberman pinschers often have a shorter course. Dogs that start treatment before heart failure develops tend to do better, so regular checkups matter, especially for at-risk breeds. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Large breeds, especially Dobermans, Boxers and Great Danes Who's at risk: Fast breathing at rest, coughing, weakness, tiring easily, fainting Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Rapid, heavy breathing A blue tongue Excessive drooling Collapse Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs; FDA, Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine DCM Back to Dogs Related conditions Collapsing Trachea Mitral Valve Disease Heartworm Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Ophidian paramyxovirus is a contagious virus that mainly causes respiratory disease in snakes. Learn the signs, how it spreads, and how to protect a collection. Ophidian Paramyxovirus (Ferlavirus) Back to Snakes What is it? Ophidian paramyxovirus (ferlavirus) is a contagious virus that mainly causes respiratory disease. It was first described in vipers but can affect many snakes. It spreads through respiratory secretions. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include open-mouth breathing, bloody or mucus-filled discharge from the mouth, regurgitation, neurologic signs like tremors, and sudden death. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis uses PCR testing and blood tests. Treatment is supportive, including care for secondary bacterial infections. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? There is no cure or vaccine. Quarantine and testing are the best prevention. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Many snakes, first described in vipers Who's at risk: Open-mouth breathing, bloody mouth discharge, tremors Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Open-mouth breathing Bloody or mucus-filled discharge from the mouth Tremors or other neurologic signs Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck Vet Manual, Reptile Viral Diseases Back to Snakes Related conditions Cryptosporidiosis Inclusion Body Disease Respiratory Infections Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive, painful bone cancer that most often affects the legs of large-breed dogs. Learn the signs, diagnosis and treatment options. Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) Back to Dogs What is it? Osteosarcoma starts when the cells that build and remodel bone grow abnormally and form a tumor. It usually develops in the long bones of the legs, especially near the wrist and below the knee, but it can also affect the skull, jaw, ribs, pelvis, spine, or toes. Large breeds are most often affected, including boxers, Doberman pinschers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, Great Danes, greyhounds, Irish wolfhounds, rottweilers, and Scottish deerhounds. What signs should I watch for? Osteosarcoma is very painful. With a leg tumor, look for limping, a firm swelling that may feel warm, tiredness, poor appetite, and reluctance to walk or play. A jaw tumor can cause jaw swelling, trouble opening the mouth, drooling, and reluctance to eat. Tumors in the skull or spine cause swelling and pain in those areas. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will examine the area and take X-rays, where the bone often looks moth-eaten. A needle sample or bone biopsy confirms the diagnosis, and staging tests such as chest X-rays and bloodwork look for spread. Amputating the affected leg removes the painful tumor, and most dogs adapt very well. Chemotherapy is nearly always recommended afterward, and some forms of radiation therapy are also options. Good pain control is essential throughout. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? There is no known way to prevent osteosarcoma. It is extremely aggressive: about 90 to 95% of dogs have microscopic spread at diagnosis. Treatment aims to relieve pain and control the disease for as long as possible, and dogs usually tolerate chemotherapy well. Have any limp that does not resolve, especially in a large-breed dog, checked promptly. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Large and giant breeds Who's at risk: Limping, painful swelling on a leg bone, tiredness, poor appetite Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Limping, especially with a swelling on a leg A firm, warm swelling on a bone Reluctance to walk or play Jaw swelling, trouble opening the mouth or drooling Lethargy or loss of appetite Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Osteosarcoma in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Torn Cruciate (ACL) Lymphoma Arthritis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Pyometra is a serious, life-threatening uterine infection in unspayed female dogs, often weeks after heat. Learn the warning signs and why fast care matters. Pyometra Back to Dogs What is it? Pyometra is a bacterial infection of the uterus driven by hormone changes after heat. Repeated cycles of high progesterone without pregnancy thicken the uterine lining and can form cysts that make an ideal place for bacteria. It can affect any unspayed female but is most common in older dogs. It usually appears four to six weeks after heat, though it can occur two to sixteen weeks after. Hormone medications containing progesterone or estrogen can also raise the risk. What signs should I watch for? If the cervix is open, pus (often bloody) drains from the vulva and may be seen under the tail or on bedding. If it is closed, pus builds up, the belly may swell, and dogs become very ill quickly. Other signs include lethargy, poor appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, and drinking and urinating more. Any very ill unspayed female that is drinking more than usual should be checked for pyometra. How is it diagnosed and treated? Blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, and ultrasound help confirm it. The preferred treatment is surgery to remove the infected uterus and ovaries (spay), with intravenous fluids and antibiotics; this is more complex than a routine spay. Medical treatment with prostaglandins may be considered for some breeding dogs, but it is slower, has side effects, carries a risk of uterine rupture (higher with a closed cervix), and pyometra often comes back. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Without treatment, pyometra is often fatal, and a closed uterus can rupture. Dogs diagnosed early do best with surgery. Any unspayed female given hormones should be watched closely. Dogs treated medically should be rechecked about two weeks after treatment, and Merck advises spaying them once their breeding life is over because pyometra eventually recurs. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Unspayed females, especially older dogs, 2 to 16 weeks after heat Who's at risk: Discharge from the vulva, drinking more, lethargy, vomiting, swollen belly Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away An unspayed female who seems very ill and is drinking more than usual Pus or bloody discharge from the vulva A swollen belly Vomiting, not eating, or extreme tiredness Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Pyometra in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Fading Puppy Syndrome Eclampsia (Milk Fever) Retained Placenta Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Ear margin vasculitis can starve a dog's ear tip of blood, causing dark crusts, sores and notches. Learn the signs and why a vet needs to find the cause. Ear Margin Vasculitis (Ear Tip Necrosis) Back to Dogs What is it? Vasculitis means inflammation of blood vessels. When it affects the ear flaps (pinnae), poor blood flow can damage the skin and cartilage at the ear edge. Triggers include immune reactions, drugs, infections, and cancer, though often no cause is found. A related condition, proliferative thrombovascular necrosis of the pinna, is caused by small blood clots in the ear vessels; its cause is unknown. Vasculitis can also affect the tail and footpads. What signs should I watch for? Look for purple or red spots, redness, scabs, and sores at the tip or edge of the ear flap. Dead skin may slough off, leaving notches. With thrombovascular necrosis, the skin around a sore at the ear tip becomes dark and thickened, and the damage spreads along the ear. Check the tail and paw pads too. Frostbite can look similar in cold, wet, or windy conditions. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will examine the ears and other affected areas and may recommend tests such as skin scrapings, culture, or a biopsy to find the cause. Treatment targets any underlying trigger, such as stopping a suspected drug, and uses medication to calm the immune reaction or improve blood flow. When medicine does not help, surgery to remove the diseased skin and cartilage may be needed. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Because the cause is often unknown, prevention is not usually possible. Many dogs improve with medication, though some need long-term treatment, and severe damage can leave a permanently notched or shortened ear. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Uncommon; may follow drug reactions, infection or immune disease Who's at risk: Dark crusts, sores or notches at the ear tip; tail or pad sores Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Dark, thickened skin at the ear tip Open sores, or skin peeling away at the ear edge Purple spots or scabs on the ear Similar sores on the tail or footpads Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual, Disorders of the Outer Ear in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Discoid Lupus (DLE) Ear Hematoma Ear Infections Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Fading puppy syndrome describes newborn puppies that weaken in the first two weeks. Learn the subtle early signs and why a fading puppy needs a vet right away. Fading Puppy Syndrome Back to Dogs What is it? Fading puppy syndrome is a term for puppies that are apparently normal at birth but fade and die within the first two weeks. Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature, fluid, or energy well, and their immune systems are immature, so many factors can contribute: poor mothering or a difficult delivery, poor or too little milk, not nursing enough or missing the first milk (colostrum), birth defects, low birth weight, infections (including parvovirus, adenovirus, and distemper), and parasites such as hookworms, fleas, and ticks. What signs should I watch for? Signs are vague and it is often too late once they are obvious. Watch for low birth weight or not gaining weight like littermates, less activity, inability to suckle, staying apart from the mother and litter, and a weak, high-pitched cry. These puppies can quickly become very lethargic and floppy. How is it diagnosed and treated? Keep the puppy warm and make sure it gets enough fluid. During the first four days, keep the puppies' area at 85 to 90°F, lowering it to about 80°F by days seven to ten; a heat lamp over the whelping box is usually enough. If bacterial infection develops, antibiotics may help, along with strict hygiene. If you are worried about a puppy, contact your veterinarian right away. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Have the mother examined right after birth for mastitis, metritis, or other illness, make sure puppies get colostrum, keep the mother's vaccinations current, and keep the area clean and warm. If a puppy dies, a necropsy can find the cause and help protect the rest of the litter. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Newborn puppies in the first two weeks of life Who's at risk: Not gaining weight, weak cry, not suckling, staying apart Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away A puppy that is not suckling A puppy that is not gaining weight like its littermates Less activity, or staying apart from the mother and litter A weak, high-pitched cry A puppy becoming very floppy or lethargic Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Fading Puppy Syndrome Back to Dogs Related conditions Difficult Birth Eclampsia (Milk Fever) Mastitis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

E. cuniculi is a microscopic parasite many rabbits carry without signs. Learn the signs it can cause, such as head tilt, and how it is diagnosed and treated. Encephalitozoon cuniculi Back to Rabbits What is it? E. cuniculi is a microscopic parasite that many rabbits carry without showing signs. It spreads through urine and from mother to babies. In some rabbits it causes damage to the brain, kidneys, or eyes, sometimes years after infection. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include head tilt; rolling, circling, or poor balance; hind-leg weakness or paralysis; urinary incontinence or urine scald; and cataracts or inflammation inside the eye. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is based on signs plus blood tests, though a positive test only shows exposure. Treatment involves antiparasitic medication, anti-inflammatory and supportive care, and nursing care such as padded housing and hand-feeding if needed. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Many rabbits improve and adapt well, even with a lasting head tilt. Good hygiene and testing new rabbits help limit spread. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Many rabbits carry it silently Who's at risk: Head tilt, rolling or circling, hind-leg weakness Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Rolling, circling, or poor balance Hind-leg weakness or paralysis Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Infectious Diseases in Rabbits Back to Rabbits Related conditions Uterine Cancer Snuffles RHDV2 Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Dystocia means a dog can't deliver her puppies normally without help, and it is an emergency. Learn the warning signs during labor and when to call a vet. Dystocia (Difficult Birth) Back to Dogs What is it? Dystocia is a difficult or abnormal birth. Causes include problems with the uterus (such as weak contractions), a birth canal that is too small, an oversized puppy, or a puppy in an abnormal position. Breeds with large, broad heads or flat faces, such as English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs, have more birthing problems, and Boxers are also more likely to have difficult births. Small litters can mean bigger puppies, which can make delivery harder. A history of dystocia is one of the situations in which veterinarians watch closely for it. What signs should I watch for? Labor usually starts within 24 hours of a drop in rectal temperature. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic if you see any of these: intense contractions for 20 to 30 minutes without a puppy; a puppy or fluid-filled bubble stuck in the birth canal while she strains for 8 to 10 minutes; a temperature over 103°F; bloody discharge before the first puppy; fresh bleeding that lasts more than 10 minutes; green discharge with no puppy born; a long gap between puppies (sources give 1 to 4 hours) when more puppies are expected; or no labor within 24 hours of the temperature drop. Obvious pain, crying, or licking and biting at the vulva are also warning signs. Sources give slightly different times. Our emergency guide on the homepage uses the shortest times to be safe, so it may tell you to call sooner than some numbers here. If you are unsure, call. How is it diagnosed and treated? X-rays or ultrasound show how many puppies remain and how they are positioned. If the mother and puppies are stable and nothing is blocking the birth canal, medication (calcium and/or oxytocin, given only on your veterinarian's advice) may help labor progress. A cesarean section is done if the mother or puppies are not stable, there is a blockage, labor goes on too long, or medication does not work. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Knowing the mating dates and the number of puppies helps your veterinarian plan, especially in at-risk breeds; the timing of a planned cesarean is difficult, because surgery too late can cost puppies and too early can mean premature puppies. Keeping her at a healthy weight helps, since obesity increases the risk of dystocia. Emergency care may be needed after hours, so plan ahead before breeding. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Pregnant dogs; flat-faced and large-headed breeds; dogs with past dystocia Who's at risk: Strong straining with no puppy, green discharge, bleeding, long gaps Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Strong contractions for 20 to 30 minutes with no puppy A puppy or fluid bubble stuck in the birth canal for 8 to 10 minutes Green or bloody discharge before the first puppy Fresh bleeding lasting more than 10 minutes A temperature over 103°F No labor within 24 hours of her temperature dropping Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Breeding: Problems at Birth Back to Dogs Related conditions Fading Puppy Syndrome Uterine Infection Retained Placenta Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Osteoarthritis is a slowly worsening joint disease that causes pain and stiffness in dogs. Learn the signs, common causes, and how to keep your dog comfortable. Osteoarthritis Back to Dogs What is it? Osteoarthritis is a slowly worsening joint disease in which the protective cartilage wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and bony changes. It often follows joint problems like hip dysplasia or a ligament injury and is common in older and overweight dogs. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include stiffness after rest, especially in the morning; trouble with stairs, jumping, or getting into the car; limping or slowing down on walks; licking a joint, irritability when touched; and muscle loss in the hind legs. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is based on a physical and orthopedic exam, often confirmed with X-rays. Care is multimodal: pain-relieving medications, weight control, joint-supporting diets or supplements, controlled exercise, physical rehabilitation, and sometimes surgery. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Arthritis can't be reversed, but keeping dogs lean and active can slow it and greatly improve comfort. Non-slip flooring and ramps help at home. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Older and overweight dogs, or after joint problems Who's at risk: Stiffness after rest, trouble with stairs, limping, slowing down Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Lameness in one or more legs An enlarged or swollen joint Difficulty getting up and down Unexpected aggression or not wanting to be touched Cutting walks short or slowing down Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Arthritis in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Hip Dysplasia Torn Cruciate (ACL) Obesity Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Cat fight bites can seal over and trap bacteria, forming a painful abscess a few days later. Learn the signs, when to see a vet, and how it's treated. Bite Wounds and Abscesses Back to Cats What is it? An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. In cats, one of the most common causes is a bite from another animal, which pushes bacteria under the skin. Cats that fight or go outdoors are at higher risk. Cats with FIV or FeLV, diabetes, or on immune-suppressing medicines may be more prone to abscesses. Sticks or grass seeds can also cause them. What signs should I watch for? An abscess usually appears suddenly as a painful swelling that may be firm or squishy like a water balloon, often with redness. It may burst and leak a foul-smelling thick fluid. Affected cats often have a fever and may be lethargic or withdrawn, dehydrated, and off their food. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will remove the pus by draining and flushing the abscess or by surgery, and remove any foreign material. Antibiotics are a key part of treatment, sometimes chosen with the help of a culture, and should be given for the full course with pain relief. Keep your cat quiet and indoors while it heals, and watch for increased draining. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Reducing fighting and play-fighting is the best way to prevent bite-wound abscesses. With proper drainage, antibiotics, pain relief, and follow-up care, cats usually recover completely; delayed treatment can lead to chronic draining tracts. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Common in cats that fight or go outdoors Who's at risk: Sudden painful swelling, draining pus, fever, lethargy, not eating Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away A sudden, painful swelling A swelling that bursts and leaks foul-smelling fluid Fever, or acting lethargic or withdrawn Poor appetite or dehydration Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Abscesses in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Pemphigus Atopy vs Food Allergy FeLV and FIV Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Psittacosis is a bacterial infection that birds can carry without signs and that can spread to people. Learn the signs in parrots, testing and treatment. Psittacosis (Chlamydiosis) Back to Parrots What is it? Psittacosis is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Birds may carry it without signs and shed it in droppings and respiratory secretions. It can infect people, causing flu-like illness. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include fluffed feathers, lethargy; eye or nasal discharge, breathing difficulty; green or watery droppings; and poor appetite, weight loss. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis uses blood work and specialized tests such as PCR. Treatment is a long antibiotic course, along with cleaning the environment. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Test new birds and quarantine them. Bird owners who develop flu-like symptoms should tell their doctor they keep birds. Psittacosis is a reportable disease. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Birds, including carriers; can infect people Who's at risk: Fluffed feathers, eye or nose discharge, green droppings Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Breathing difficulty Fluffed feathers and lethargy Poor appetite Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Common Conditions of Pet Birds Back to Parrots Related conditions Aspergillosis Heavy Metal Poisoning Beak & Feather Disease Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment