Triangle Ferret Lovers Newsletter

Issue 12, November/December 1996

Table of Contents

1. How Do I Check Over a Ferret Myself?
2. Next TriFL Meeting
3. November Meeting Notes
4. Annual TriFL Membership
5. It's Cold and Flu Season...
6. Ferret Sitters Needed!
7. Neoplasia (Cancer) in Ferrets
8. Medical News
9. Cage For Sale
10. Morris Animal Foundation
11. Shelter Ferret - poem by Stephanie Sheme
12. Shelter and Fostering Information
13. Newsletter Address

Start by checking your ferret's ears, which should look clean and pink. If you see wax, clean the outer edges. Do not stick a q-tip into the ear canal. If the wax is black or has dark flecks, the ferret might have ear mites. Check the cartilage for swelling or distortion. Check the ferret's eyes, which should look clear and alert, with no films or discharge. (Ferrets do have a "second eyelid" which might appear as a bluish-white rim around the edge of the eye.) Feel carefully all around the neck, throat and chin area, looking for lumps or swelling. Check the gums, which should be pink and healthy-looking, and the teeth, looking for excessive tartar or discoloration. Whiskers should be long and strong, not brittle or broken.

Hold the ferret under the front legs, with the back legs on your lap or a table. Run your hands lightly along the ferret's body, checking for lumps. You can also check muscle tone and weight this way: you should be able to feel ribs, but not see them, and the ferret should feel firm and supple, not loose, flabby or skinny. Pull gently on the ferret's legs to check for lumps or swelling on the legs, knees, or feet; the ferret should pull the legs back in. The pads should be pink and soft, with maybe a bit of callus, not irritated or cracking.

Your ferret's behavior is also a good indicator of its general health. Sleeping a lot is normal, and older ferrets will slow down a bit, but they should always be curious, alert, and playful. Any change in normal habits might be a sign of a problem. Whenever in doubt, contact your ferret knowledgeable veterinarian immediately - preventative care is important to you and your ferret.

Next TriFL Meeting!

TriFL needs your help in finding a monthly meeting location -central to the Triangle, large enough to accommodate 30-40 people, and a few friendly ferrets with litter boxes. Low cost or free is preferable. Suggestions include office conference room (not a fancy one!), church room or hall, civic organizations' building (Rotary Club, Lions Club, scouts, YMCA, Jaycees), school room, parks & recreation educational building, etc. If you can help, call Karen Marsh- Lovvorn (596-9393).

November Meeting Notes

1. The Nov. 2 Super Pet Adoption Fair in North Raleigh attracted interest in obtaining adoption applications for ferrets available for adoption.
2. Foster care ferret providers are needed to volunteer (see page 4 for more information).
3. Donna Colville has acquired a photographer for TriFL's on-line catalog of ferret products. We will have this up and running for holiday gift purchases.
4. The club & shelter sold several 1997 ferret calendars and greeting cards. Get your order in NOW! call Karen @ 596-9393. 5. Nicole Kincaid talked about the importance of training your ferret to come to a squeaky toy, as that is how she found her ferret after being lost for over 3 days.
5. Meeting participants agreed upon the importance of letting members in various Triangle cities to have a copy of the mailing/telephone list in case of emergencies or when help is needed. 7. TriFL is waiting to hear about our non-profit status since filing in August.
6. Julie Ford gave an update on the responses received from pet store owners/managers to offer ferret nip training to their employees. Nip trainers will be coordinated with pet stores.
7. Treasurer, Pam Taynor will be opening a free for non-profit groups checking account.
8. SANTA CLAUS will be at the December 7th meeting, and please bring a small ferret gift so that we can have a "Mystery Ferret-Gift" exchange.
9. Also, a ferret game contest will be conducted - Tube Race, Blackest Nose, Best Trick, Longest Kisser, Paper Bag Escape, and so on...

Annual TriFL Membership

TriFL is vital in providing ferret lovers information on care and activities. Membership fees pay the costs associated with local ferret education - pamphlets, latest medical information, leaflets on preventive care, emergency funds for shelter, newsletter production, postage for members, vets, and pet stores, as well as, booth fees, and materials for our display exhibit with signage. If you want to be a TriFL member or contribute to our efforts, please send your dues to Pam Taynor @ 4001 Cummings Circle #1-B, Raleigh, NC 27613.

It's the Cold and Flu Season...

Ferret Sitters Needed!

Neoplasia (Cancer) in Ferrets

A. Lymphosarcoma - This is a disease of the lymphatic system of the body which is an important part of the immune system. The cause is unknown but investigation is being done to determine if there is a virus involved. It can occur in ferrets of any age. Signs are very variable, and many animals show no outward signs until they are very ill, or changes are picked up on a routine veterinary exam. Changes may include enlarged lymph nodes anywhere in or on the body, a greatly enlarged spleen, wasting, difficulty breathing, and extreme lethargy. A complete blood cell count may indicate abnormal (cancerous) cells present, although this occurs in a very small percentage of cases. Diagnosis is generally by biopsy of a lymph node, spleen or fluid from the chest. Treatment is by chemotherapy of the animal fulfills certain criteria that would make it a good candidate, Chemotherapy has been successful in about 75% of our cases, allowing life to be prolonged in a quality way for 6 months to 2 years.

B. Insulinoma - This is a tumor of the pancreas leading to a high insulin production and a low blood sugar.

C. Adrenal Adenoma or Adenocarcinoma - This is a tumor of the adrenal gland.

D. Skin tumors - There are a variety of skin tumors occurring in the pet ferret. The most common are sebaceous gland adenomas, and mast cell tumors. Most of these should be removed particularly if they are ulcerated, bleeding, or have a rough surface. Chondromas occur with some frequency on the tip of the tail as a hard round lump. They are generally benign, but may become large and bothersome and can easily be removed.

For further details of description and treatment, please contact your vet, the Ferret Mailing List (ferret-list@cunyvm.cuny.edu) or the following references:

1. Wellness, Inc. How to Read Your Report, 1993
2. Finkler, M. Practical Ferret Medicine and Surgery for the Private Practitioner, 1993
3. Brown, S. Ferret Medicine and Surgery, 1992
4. Fox, JG. Biology and Diseases of the Ferret, 1988

MEDICAL NEWS

CAGE FOR SALE!

Morris Animal Foundation

Shelter Ferret

I wish someone would tell me

what I have done wrong.

Why I am always caged up

and left all alone.



They seemed so glad to have me

when I was a kit

We'd romp and play all day,

I would not tire a bit.



They agreed to care for me and train me,

for I was their friend,

They swore they'd never leave me

they'd love me until the end.



But now they have no time

All knew friends I suppose,

You see all I asked for was love,

why that was not enough Lord only knows.

Responsibilities of Foster "Parents:"

1. To provide temporary safe and healthy homes, daily care/food/play time for ferrets until new homes can be found.
2. To provide socialization/nip training if necessary.
3. To keep watch on the general health of the animal and inform Rogues Gallery of difficulties.
4. To assist in screening potential adopters by assisting the Rescue in finding homes, and providing insight into temperament, behavior, etc.

1. Referral Service: Rogues Gallery screens potential adopters by telephone and refers them to the owner(s) seeking new home(s). Adoption fees or special conditions are set by the owner, and adoptions are at the owner's discretion. Rogues Gallery takes no legal responsibility or liability for the ferret(s).
2. Ferrets Placed in Foster Care:
   • Ferrets will be initially screened and checked in through Rogues Gallery.
   • Rogues Gallery will provide initial health screening, rabies and distemper vaccinations, and contact foster families to provide temporary care for the animal(s).
   • Ferrets placed in foster care are the property of the Rescue, since, by accepting such ferrets from the surrendering owners, the Rescue assumes full legal responsibility for them.
   • Non-routine medical care (i.e. surgery, etc.) will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Fosterers will need to discuss with Rogues Gallery before taking action. In case of emergency, fosterers should notify Rogues Gallery as soon as possible.
   • Foster families are encouraged to try to find homes for the ferret(s) in their care, but ferret(s) should not be placed without going through Rogues Gallery. All potential adopters must be screened by the Rescue and are required to complete the appropriate adoption forms.
   • Foster families will receive first priority if they choose to adopt ferrets in their care.
   • Adoption fees are set by the Rescue and include shots and basic medical care and boarding. Fees are based on the age of the animal and other factors. Rogues Gallery will split adoption fees with the foster family, i.e. we are reimbursed for shots and basic medical, fosterer gets the remainder of the fee to cover boarding expenses. If the fosterer chooses to adopt the ferret him/herself, adoption fees will either be reduced or waived.

TRIangle Ferret Lovers

4001 Cummings Circle #1-B

Raleigh, NC  27613

This web page is maintained by Pam Sessoms. I can be reached at: pjdutche@email.unc.edu.

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