What to do if my ferret has ear gunk or suspected ear mites?

Thanks for reaching out about Roo and including photos. Did the veterinarian take an ear swab and look under the microscope for a diagnosis? All ferrets (and cats) need to be treated. If does take some time for animals to respond to the medications, as the Revolution only kills juveniles and adults, not eggs. So need to wait for eggs to hatch, to stop mite cycle. Good luck.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It’s hard to say what can be causing Hook’s ear issue without seeing a photo, but discharge can be caused by ear mites or infections. I recommend cleaning the ear with an ear cleaning solution which is commonly available in pet stores and a piece of gauze or cotton pad. I recommend not using a q-tip to avoid trauma. If the ear itself is red or you think it is really bothering Hook, he should be seen by a vet sooner.

Hi there. I'm sorry Pauley is having this issue. I would say yes, a vet visit would be necessary at this point especially if his balance seems to be off. His ear drum could be ruptured or he could have an inner ear infection that is on the inside of his ear drum that needs to be addressed. I strongly recommend you see a vet that is used to treating ferrets. I hope this helps. Best wishes. Dr. Amber

Thanks for reaching out about Santiago and including a photo. Dermal infections or a histiocytoma are common dermal conditions in ferrets. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Monitor for self trauma and scratching, as if opens up, more likely to become infected. Good luck.

Hello, and thank you for your question. Has Zen been scratching the ear, or shaking his head often? If so, the lesion in the ear may be due to an ear infection or ear mites that is causing swelling in the ear canal. Another possibility is a mass, such as a granuloma, abscess or cyst. I would recommend taking Zen to the vet within the next few days. They can examine inside the ear canal and take a sample of any debris in the ear to rule out an ear infection or mites. If they suspect there is a mass, they can perform a fine needle aspirate to sample it and find out what exactly it is. In the meantime, I would monitor Zen for any scratching, in addition to decreased appetite or energy. If so, I would get him to the vet sooner rather than later. I hope this helps, and that Zen is feeling better soon!

Many ferrets are prone to copious amounts of ear wax. If left untreated it can lead to an ear infection. It is best to do regular ear cleaning at home. I suggest once a week. You can use this ear cleaner or one like it. Please don't use oil or peroxide or vinegar or any of the other weird things people report they use in the ears. Use an actual ear cleaner. ( https://www.ferret.com/item/marshall-ferret-ear-cleaner/650704/ ) Here is a link to an article about how to clean the ears: ( https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/small-and-furry-care/tips-cleaning-ferret-ears/ ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

This looks like an infection or mass. Since it's getting bigger I recommend a veterinary exam. They can tell more when they feel it and see if it's painful or has fluid inside. They can take a needle aspirate and determine if it's infection or a tumor. Then depending on the diagnosis a treatment plan can be developed. Now it's not that large so I'd have it checked soon as if it continues to enlarge it may be more difficult to treat. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Peewee.