Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) in the Pet Ferret

If you are a typical ferret owner, you probably handle your ferret often and will notice when things about him/her just don’t seem right. If an enlarged abdomen (belly) is noted on the ferret, it may be the result of an enlarged spleen, known as splenomegaly in medical terminology. Ferrets of any age can develop an enlarged spleen. The spleen acts as an important component of the body’s immune defense system, protecting your ferret from disease and helping him or her store blood. The spleen can enlarge for a variety of reasons including infection or cancer, but a ferret’s spleen can also enlarge for no apparent reason. When this happens, it is called idiopathic splenomegaly. The reasons for idiopathic splenomegaly are poorly understood but two possible casuese include chronic immune stimulation or compensation for a lack of red blood cell production by the bone marrow.  More research may determine if splenomegaly is indicative of other disease problems. In general, most ferrets with idiopathic splenomegaly are healthy and this condition will not shorten their lifespan.

Often when the spleen enlarges, the ferret’s abdomen appears large and full. If the spleen becomes greatly enlarged, you may notice that the ferret has trouble moving around and may seem uncomfortable. Most ferrets remain active with this condition, while others may lose energy and not want to play or eat. Because the spleen stores blood, a traumatic fall can cause the spleen to rupture and the ferret to bleed internally. If this occurs internal bleeding and blood loss may occur quickly, and the injured ferret would become very weak, needing immediate veterinary care.

In order to take a closer look at the abdomen, you can scruff your ferret and place him/her in your lap with the stomach facing up. You can now use your hand to gently feel the abdomen. If the abdomen seems full or firm, your ferret may have an enlarged spleen.

If you suspect your ferret has an enlarged abdomen, he/she should be examined by your veterinarian. If confirmed on examination, an analysis of your ferret’s blood or a needle aspirate of the spleen may be recommended to determine the cause.  In most cases the condition in benign and will not affect your ferret’s overall health, but your veterinarian will want to rule out more serious problems such as cancer.