When allowed to free roam outside the cage the naturally curious ferret may swallow small objects that attract its attention. These foreign objects have the potential to become lodged (stuck) in the stomach or small intestines, creating an obstruction. Vigilant “ferret proofing” of the home is a must, especially with rubber and foam objects that ferrets are particularly fond of. Some of the reported foreign objects swallowed by ferrets include rubber bands, pieces of doorstops, rubber furniture protectors, erasers, pieces of rubber ball, and foam from pillows, sneaker insoles or rubber sandals.

Hairballs are another potential cause of gastrointestinal obstruction. Hairballs are compacted wads of the ferret’s fur, which may develop over time as a ferret grooms itself and subsequently swallows some of its haircoat with each grooming. Unlike cats, most ferrets will not vomit up hairballs, and these wads of compacted fur will eventually cause gastrointestinal upset.

Signs of gastrointestinal obstruction vary with location of the obstruction within the stomach or intestinal tract. Foreign bodies in the stomach may just sit within the stomach, causing irritation, or may completely obstruct outflow to the small intestine. Due to the narrow diameter of the small intestine, many foreign bodies in this location cause a complete obstruction.

Image 1

This rubber plug (figure 1) was surgically removed from a ferret’s intestines
where it had become lodged and created a blockage. The dime is there for size
reference only. Ferrets love to chew on soft rubber products—so please ferret
proof your home and make sure there is no access to such objects as door stops,
pillow foam, sneaker insoles or flip-flop shoes, furniture protectors, etc..
The ferret was very sick with vomiting and dark, tarry stools (figure 2). Any time
you see this kind of abnormal stool it warrants a trip to the veterinarians to
have an exam to determine the cause.

Image 2

When a complete obstruction occurs, the ferret will become acutely ill. Severe listlessness, lack of appetite, vomiting, absence of stools or dark, tarry stools may all be seen. The ferret may have abdominal pain and nausea demonstrated by increased salivation, grinding of the teeth, pawing at the mouth, or remaining in a hunched position. With a partial obstruction the clinical signs may be more subtle and prolonged. The ferret with a partial obstruction may show any of the clinical signs described above, or may demonstrate only intermittent teeth grinding, dark, tarry stools, and a decreased appetite and level of activity. Obvious weight loss and dehydration may occur within several days to a week.

Any ferret with signs of gastrointestinal distress should see a veterinarian. The veterinarian will start with a thorough history and physical examination. Hairballs and foreign bodies may or may not be palpable (felt) upon abdominal exam. Radiographs (x-rays) may or may not show a foreign body depending on its size and physical makeup (rubber unfortunately does not show up on an x-ray). A Barium series may be recommended to outline the intestinal tract and aid in identification of a blockage or foreign body. If a gastrointestinal foreign body with suspected obstruction is diagnosed, surgical removal is advised. Once the foreign body or hairball has become lodged and causes illness, few ferrets are able to pass the object on their own. Delaying treatment in the hopes that the ferret will pass the obstruction can increase the risk of death.

For hairball prevention, feline hairball remedy has been recommended two to three times weekly. Brush the fur coat regularly and change bedding frequently to decrease the amount of loose hair in the environment. To prevent accidental foreign body ingestion: monitor playtime and offer only “ferret safe” toys. Ferret proof the house by keeping soft rubber household items out of the naturally curious ferrets reach.