Ferret Upper Respiratory Infections (URI)

Introduction:

Upper respiratory infections in ferrets have a number of possible causes including influenza virus (the same one we get), bacterial rhinitis, Mycoplasmal infections, Canine distemper virus, allergies, and nasal foreign bodies. m

Clinical Signs:

The hallmark of an upper respiratory infection in ferrets is the same in us, mucoid nasal and ocular discharge, sneezing, coughing, fever, lethargy, anorexia, and red, swollen eyes.

Diagnostic Testing:

Diagnosis of an upper respiratory infection is typically based on clinical signs, history of exposure, and vaccination history. Culture, radiographs, and rhinoscopy may be recommended if the patient does notn improve despite treatment.

Treatment:

Just like with us, treatment starts with supportive care – including enticing them to eat, assist feeding if they are anorexic, and subcutaneous fluids if needed. If bacterial or Mycoplasmal, antibiotics will be prescribed. Just like with us, influenza is a virus and antibiotics are not effective. If this is suspected treatment is purely supportive care to give the ferret the ability to fight off the virus themselves.

Prognosis:

Influenza has a 7-14 days self-limiting course so prognosis is good. The prognosis of secondary bacterial infection, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia are good to guarded based on clinical signs and age of patient with younger ferrets more guarded.

Follow-Up:

We recommend a recheck examination in 10-14 days (if antibiotics are used, before antibiotic course is done), or sooner if not improving or worsening. Ferrets with URI symptoms should be kept isolated from other ferrets to prevent disease transmission.