For medical questions I suggest you start at http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc and with the Medical FAQs at Ferret Central (which can also be reached through the MiamiFerret site), but nothing will ever replace the knowledge of a qualified and experienced ferret veterinarian. If your ferret is sick, please do not waste time searching the Internet. This information is only supplementary. If your ferret is ill, get to an experienced ferret vet ASAP (not a dog, cat or bunny vet!). Ferrets go downhill very quickly. They are not a "wait a week and see" animal.
The databases listed below are good for finding lots of ferret info so I've included them in this section. I primarily use them to do medical "what worked for you" searches. Another good source for this type of medical information is ferret shelters. Remember, shelter owners are usually not vets and not necessarily experts. They are pet owners (just like you!), some of which have had more experience in some areas than others, and some of which may even have more experience in certain areas than some less qualified vets, but their suggestions should never substitute for qualified veterinary care.
If you find information that you think might be helpful for treating your ferret, discuss it with your vet and give them a printed copy (to keep) of the information you've found online.
Databases
* Where & how to find more info on the web *
Searchable Archives of The Ferret Mailing List (FML)
Ferret Mailing List (FML) FAQs and Info Packets by email. In addition to the searchable database above, the FML has information packets for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on a variety of subjects including ferret medical issues. For a list of available packets send an email to LISTSERV@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU with the message INDEX FERRET in the body. You don't need to type a subject, it'll be ignored. You should receive the list in your email box in less than 5 minutes.
Searchable Archives of the Ferret Adrenal & Insulinoma Mailing List (FAIML)
Ferret Health List (FHL)
The Ferret Health List at "Yahoo Groups" has searchable archives (below) and is supposedly frequented by ferret veterinarians. I have no personal experience with this list and know nothing about the quality or accuracy of any information dispensed therein. However, the list and its archives are additional resources worth exploring for tricky illnesses. Be aware that there may be graphic pictures of ferret surgeries, injuries, or diseases right on the front page.
Searchable Archives of the Ferret Health List (FHL)
Old Web Searches I've done (and probably didn't finish reading!)
Specific Ailments
Kidney
Feline CRF Info Center: I cannot say enough good things about this Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) site. It is a cat CRF site but there's so much good information. PLUS their links page has excellent medical links to not only everything you might ever need to know about Chronic Renal Failure, but also to TONS of other pet medical/disease resources as well.
Kidney Disease (Cats)
Pouncerstone: Feline Kidney Disease
Problem Ailments: -Liver, Kidney, Colitis etc. (Dogs)
Renal Disease Handout from the Animal Medical Center in NYCThe Helicobacter Pylori Foundation (Humans)
Aleutian's Disease (ADV)
Aleutian's Disease in Ferrets: By Richard R. Nye DVM Susan A. Brown, DVM
Aleutian's Disease (Wessex)
Aleutian's Disease (Ferret Haven)
White Russian's ADV Page
Veterinary Resources
NOVA Online | Animal Hospital | Resources
FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Information Network
Ferret Medical Info
Ferret Health Care
* If Ferret Central is "down", you might find copies of the FAQs at:
• Directory of /pub/usenet/news.answers/pets
or possibly older copies of the FAQs at:
• A guy and his webcam - The Ferret FAQThe Animal Medical Center in NYC (Info sheets on ferrets and other pets)
Dr Heidi Hoefer, DVM (see "Medical Newsletters" for ferret info)
Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM: Pathology of the Ferret
Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM: 50 Things Your [Ferret] Vet Should Know (I think you need Internet Explorer and/or Power Point to view these pages.)
Dr. Charles Weiss, DVM
Dr. Susan Brown, DVM: Articles at VIN (Some Medical, some "Basic Care")
Dr. Charles Loops, DVM: Holistic vet who will do phone consults (for a fee). Works with ferrets.
Ferret Clinic Site was under construction on 10/7/03
NetVet Veterinary Resources
NetVet Veterinary Resources - Search Site
California vet list
Non-Ferret Medical Links That Might Be Helpful
Drug Databases
Wheels for ferrets
More information on Mustelidaes
Domestic Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata latriostra)
Often mistakenly identified as "a baby ferret" by people who think they've found ferrets in the wild.
Mustelidae Skulls
Shows the similarities and differences between the skulls of different types of mustelidaes. A domesticated ferret skull is not included in these, but I still found this interesting.
Miscellaneous
Info on Bob Church's Chicken Gravy:
This is a big favorite with people who want to get their ferrets on a more natural and higher protein diet. Personally, I didn't have much luck with it. Be careful with the fat content in this and similar "Duck Soup" recipes. Some ill ferrets (particularly those with high liver enzymes) have great difficulty digesting fats properly.Bonnie's K9 Swim Therapy:
This is not really a "ferret link" (unless your ferret LOVES water), but if you're in the New York area, it's a great service to know about.
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