Heart Disease in Ferrets
Heart or cardiac disease is relatively uncommon but when present, it is usually found in middle-aged to older ferrets. Congestive heart failure (CHF), associated with aging in older ferrets, is the most common form seen by veterinarians. Two other less commonly seen types are Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).
A ferret with heart disease may show a variety of clinical signs including reluctance to play, loss of energy, weight loss, rear leg weakness, difficulty breathing, increased respiratory rate, coughing, and at times an enlarged abdomen due to fluid buildup. If you report any of these symptoms to us we will listen for an abnormal heart beat which can manifest as a murmur or an irregular heart rate and/or rhythm.
In order to diagnose heart disease we may recommend several tests such as listening to the heart with a stethoscope, blood work, taking an X-ray of the chest, performing an electrocardiogram (EKG), or an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart). If it is determined that heart disease is causing fluid build up within the chest or abdomen, we will want to drain and analyze this fluid. These tests will help determine the degree of disease severity and help differentiate which cardiac disease is present so that the best course of treatment may be prescribed.
Once the condition is diagnosed, your ferret will likely be placed on one or several medications. These drugs may include:
• Furosemide – a diuretic to decrease the buildup of fluid in the body
• Enalapril – to decrease the workload of the heart
• Digoxin – to increase the strength of the heart muscle
• Pimbendan – to improve heat muscle function
It is important to realize that the ferret with heart disease will remain on medication for the rest of his/her life and that these drugs may be periodically adjusted depending on your ferret’s response. You should never change the frequency or amount of the drugs prescribed without first consulting us. Close monitoring of heart disease is essential.
