Heat Stroke in Ferrets

Summer is here:  How to recognize, Treat, and Prevent Heat Stroke in Ferrets

LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY
Ferrets are very susceptible to extreme heat.  “Heatstroke” (or “hyperthermia”) occurs when a ferret is exposed environmental conditions that cause the body to exceed a normal temperature range.
 
Normal (rectal) body temperature for a healthy ferret is 100 to 104 degrees Farenheit (°F) or 38 to 40 degrees Centigrade or Celsius (°C).  
 
Heat stroke must be considered when the body temperature of a ferret exceeds 104° to 105°F (40° to 40.6°C) in the absence of infection or inflammation.
 
Heat stroke can damage the body.  How much damage depends on:  1) how high the body (core) temperature becomes, and 2) the length of time that it is elevated.
 
Signs

• Open mouth breathing or panting
• Rapid breathing
• Body weakness
• Not alert, sleepy, nausea, seizures, coma, death.
• Elevated rectal temperature

 
IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION IS REQUIRED

• DO:   Rapidly cool the ferret:
  • Immediately REMOVE THE HEAT SOURCE (bring the ferret into a shady or air- conditioned space, etc.)
  • Apply cool--but not COLD-- water to wet the skin and face
    
  • Fan the animal by whatever means to reduce the body temperature.  This increases air flow and increases heat loss.
  • If the ferret is awake and alert, offer small amounts of cool water (or other liquid if water is not available) to drink.
    

 

• DON’T:  Chill the ferret:
  • Do NOT immerse the ferret in an ice or cold-water bath. This will cause the peripheral blood vessels to constrict and actually make things worse
  • Do not use alcohol or ice packs on the skin.
  • If the ferret starts to shiver, stop the cooling process.

• Do not cool lower than 103°F rectal temperature, as doing so will actually result in hypothermia.
  
• Do not offer fluids by mouth if the ferret is not aware and alert. Fluids can be aspirated (breathed) into the lungs, which will call more problems.  
  
• Do not force fluids by mouth.  
• Do not give subcutaneous fluids unless directed to do so by your vet. They may cause peripheral blood vessels to constrict.

 

• DO:  Call a veterinarian AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
  • Attempt to cool the ferret down, but bring the ferret for a medical assessment 
    
  • For the trip, wrap the ferret in cool, wet towels; if possible, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

 
TREATMENT
 
Ferrets may require stabilization. The veterinarian may reduce the ferret’s body temperature by using cooling pads, cold-water enemas, or cold fluids instilled into the abdominal cavity or into the blood stream. Oxygen therapy should be given to increase the amount of oxygen to the tissues. In severe cases, the animal may need to be intubated (a tube placed in the airway for administering oxygen).
 
Even after the body temperature has normalized, hospitalization is warranted to monitor vital signs, blood work, and to ensure that the ferret remains stable.  Although the ferret may appear to recover from heat stroke, signs of organ failure or other problems m ay develop over the following days, up to a week later.  Medication may be given to protect the ferret’s stomach from “stress ulcers.”  
 
Organ failure:  Heat can cause gastrointestinal signs, kidney, liver, or heat problems.  When severe it can result in a “shock” syndrome (disseminated intravascular coagulation- or DIC), which can lead rapidly to death.  Nervous system damage can occur, as well as severe muscle injury.
 
PREVENTION

• Keep your ferret in temperatures LESS THAN 80°F (26°C), preferably in an air-conditioned environment. Use fans, open windows, if necessary.
  
• Provide plenty of shade and cool (e.g., tile or stone) surfaces
• Provide free access to clean cool water.  REPLACE WATER OFTEN.
• Give your ferret a water bowl AND a water bottle that attaches to the cage.  Ferrets will drink more water from a bowl than a water bottle, and they are known to play in the water or tip over light water bowls.  This can keep them cool, BUT make sure that always have access to water.   
• Ferrets may enjoy cool water baths of water play, BUT never leave a ferret unattended in the water.

  And NEVER leave your ferret or any other animal (or small child!!) in a parked vehicle.