The Black-eyed Ferret is covered with white fur on its entire body, with a black line distributed on its back. However, it is not very obvious among the white fur. The nose is pink, and the ones without black fur are considered excellent.
The Angora pet ferret is introduced from Denmark and is a common pet ferret in China. The most characteristic personality of Angora pet ferret is curiosity and cheerfulness, and it likes to play with people. Because of its endless curiosity and adventurous spirit, it is never idle and often climbs into the back or underneath furniture to explore new things. It gathers anything it likes and hides it in a hidden place, and it also establishes its own active territory. It loves to be spoiled, loves to play, and is intelligent. It is easy to get close to people and often wants to play with them. It especially likes to go in and out with people, so it can be put on a harness or placed in an outdoor cage for a walk.
In general, the lifespan of a ferret is usually around 11 years, and if properly cared for, it may live even longer, the Black-eyed Ferret is no exception. It is a lively and active pet ferret, so before raising one, parents should prepare a cage of suitable size for it, and it can be kept together with other ferret species, so that they will grow up healthier and happier. It should be noted that parents should not keep it in the cage for a long time, and should often let it out to play and receive more fresh air. If it is not convenient to let it roam freely, parents can also buy some special toys for ferrets to entertain the Black-eyed Ferret when it is bored.
People who love small ferrets are advised to keep them. The Black-eyed Ferret is brave and fearless, likes to interact with humans, and has a strong curiosity. You rarely see it in a resting state as it's basically active all the time. When you get familiar with it, it will follow you like a thoughtful little companion. Not only that, like cats, it is naturally clean and sleeps in a curled-up position every time. It is very smart. If you keep it at home, it will definitely add a touch of joy to your home.
1. Hair Loss
Pet ferrets commonly experience hair loss due to benign or malignant tumors in the adrenal glands, which leads to excessive cortical function (also known as Cushing's syndrome). The symptoms are usually obvious, and a detailed examination of adrenal function is often unnecessary for diagnosis. This condition can occur in pet ferrets between one and six or seven years old, with an average age of onset at three and a half years. 70% of cases occur in female pet ferrets. Hair loss starts from the tail and spreads throughout the body, leaving only the head and limbs with fur. Additionally, spayed female ferrets may exhibit swelling in the external genitalia and sticky discharge, which may be mistaken for signs of estrus. Other systemic symptoms include increased itching, excessive thirst and urination, anemia, weight loss, and hind limb weakness. Surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland is the treatment method.
2. Myocardial Lesions
If a pet ferret develops myocardial lesions, it indicates that it is getting old. The aging myocardium becomes weak and unable to pump an adequate amount of blood from the heart. In order to compensate for the insufficient blood flow, the heart works harder, resulting in a ballooned appearance. This can lead to blood regurgitation into the heart, causing fluid retention in the lungs, the surrounding areas of the lungs, or the abdominal cavity, resulting in coughing. Myocardial lesions may be related to genetic factors or a deficiency in essential amino acids. Therefore, ferrets' diet must include an adequate amount of essential amino acids. Generally, myocardial lesions can only be controlled with medication and cannot be cured.
3. Regional Enteritis
If a pet ferret suddenly develops green diarrhea, it is presumed to be caused by an infection. Symptomatic treatment is a good therapeutic option for this condition.
4. Malignant Lymphoma
Malignant lymphoma that invades the thymus, liver, and spleen is a common tumor in young pet ferrets. Diagnosis requires aspiration of lymph nodes for confirmation. Malignant lymphoma can present with various symptoms depending on the organs involved. Generally, splenomegaly, peripheral lymphadenopathy, cachexia, weakness, and changes in eating habits are common symptoms. If the tumor invades the thoracic cavity, respiratory difficulties, rapid heart rate, exercise intolerance, fever, and syncope may occur occasionally. In the cutaneous form, numerous small nodules can be seen on the skin. Malignant lymphoma can be controlled with anti-cancer drugs and immunosuppressants, but it may recur.
5. Other Common Skin Tumors
These are skin tumors commonly seen in elderly pet ferrets. They should be immediately removed because they can cause irritation and often transform into malignant tumors. Common types include round, button-like protrusions that are usually itchy and cause hair loss when the ferret scratches them, as well as irregular wart-like growths that are prone to bleeding and can easily transform into malignant tumors.
6. Gastric Ulcers
Both pet ferrets and humans are susceptible to gastric ulcers caused by bacteria. Pet ferrets may have symptoms such as decreased appetite, soft stools, persistent vomiting, weight loss, teeth grinding, and black stools. In addition to using conventional anti-ulcer medications, antibiotic therapy is also necessary.
[Living Environment]
Generally speaking, the lifespan of ferrets is about 11 years, and if kept properly, they may live even longer. The Black-eyed Ferret is also an active and lively pet ferret. Therefore, before keeping one, parents should prepare a cage of appropriate size for them. They can be kept together with other ferret breeds, so that they can grow healthier and happier. It is important to note that parents should not keep them trapped in the cage for a long time, and should frequently let them out to play and get fresh air. If it is not convenient to let them roam freely, parents can also buy some toys specifically for ferrets to keep them entertained when they are bored.
[Food Characteristics]
The food for Black-eyed Ferrets is generally based on specialized ferret feed. If conditions are limited, cat food or dog food can be used as a substitute. It is important to note that regardless of the type of ferret being raised, their food must contain more than 30% protein and 3% fiber, and Black-eyed Ferrets are no exception. It is worth knowing that they are different from other animals in that their food should not contain dried fruits or vegetables. Additionally, pet ferrets are very picky eaters when it comes to meat, so parents should pay attention to this when feeding them.
The Black-eyed Ferret can eat ferret food. It is best for the owner to bathe it once a week, clean its ears every half a month, and clean its excrement in a timely manner every day. In order to ensure the health of the ferret, it needs to be regularly taken to the hospital for parasite examination, injection of canine distemper and rabies vaccines, and also pay attention to the prevention of heartworm disease. The ferret is afraid of heat, so it is important to take heatstroke prevention measures in the summer.
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