My ferret won't eat after a rectal issue. Should I see a vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to conditions such as pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal foreign body ingestion and obstruction, among other possibilities. I suggest other diagnostics are performed at this point such as abdominal ultrasound and labwork. It is crucial to find out exactly what is going on so that therapy can be used based on the specific condition. In the meantime, they may be able to prescribe anti-nausea medications as that may be why she is not eating well. Best of luck!

This is a quite generic but concerning sign. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. A check up is needed if inappetence last for more than 24-36hours. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I'm glad he's feeling a bit better but remember, it hasn't even been 24 hours with the medication and fluids. The treatment is not magic; you need to give it some time to work. I would not expect him to be pooping when he hasn't been eating. Don't get too hung up on the pooping right now. That is not a huge issue at this point. Just make sure he is eating and definitely use the Critical Care.

Hi, and thanks for your question. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for reaching out about Alaska. At this young age, a gastrointestinal foreign body would be highly suspicious and could explain the pain and discomfort. If not eating, ferrets are prone to hypoglycemia, exasperating the lethargy. A veterinarian should be seen as soon as possible. Good luck.

It could be stress related to the new home, but given her age, she should be examined by your veterinarian tonight. A young ferret can quickly become dehydrated which may complicate any underlying condition(s). Discontinue solid food for now and offer just a tablespoon or two of water or unflavored PediaLyte every hour until Josie sees the doctor.

Poor Halo! Hopefully you've been able to get to the vet by now since I see this post is a bit older. If not, keeping her warm and happy and monitoring her for any changes in status (vomiting, retching, lethargy, pain, etc) is best. If she does suddenly act worse, or has very obvious signs of illness, getting her into a vet or emergency clinic sooner is best.