My new ferret is skinny and walks strangely. Is it muscle weakness?

Hello. We do see several conditions & diseases in ferrets as they age, so it would be best to have Busta evaluated by your veterinarian. I do not think not having access to water for 12 hours caused any problems, it may just be coincidental that he feel ill after this. Do have him seen as soon as you can in case he does need some further testing or treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This can be very serious. I suggest you get him to a vet for an exam. This is not likely an injured leg (although possible). This sounds more like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) from an insulin tumor (insulinoma) or an adrenal tumor however, there are some other possibilities too. You can't know what to do for him until you find out why he has these symptoms. He needs a vet exam. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951368 I don't know if these clinics will treat ferrets but you can call them and find out: https://www.ashevillehumane.org/resources/vet-care-assistance https://opendoorveterinarycare.com/services/

Thanks for reaching out about Huransini. Ferrets are very prone to several diseases as they age: insulinomas (resulting in low blood sugar), adrenal disease, heart disease, and others. A veterinary visit is recommended for assistance in diagnostic and treatment plans. Good luck.

I'm sorry that Oscar and his companion are not feeling well! Weakness in ferrets can be caused by low blood sugar, which can be a result of an insulinoma, a very common pancreatic tumor in ferrets which secretes insulin and causes low blood sugar. This requires a veterinary exam, bloodwork, and other diagnostics to diagnose. In the meantime, I recommend offering both ferrets a high protein/high fat small meal every several hours to keep their blood sugar levels normal. This can be their normal diet or canned cat food. I hope all is well!

Ferrets should be plump, but not fat, You should not see the ribs and spine, but should feel the ribs easily, If the ribs and spine are not visible, then she is likely a normal weight. Unfortunately the photo does not show her body well enough to evaluate her properly. Since you only acquired Jasmin recently, I suggest you take her to your vet for a basic initial exam and to introduce her to your vet, who will then also assess her body condition.

Rub a small amount of Karo syrup on his gums. If he perks up, offer a meal and then have him examined by your veterinarian. He may be having hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes that could lead to behavioral issues. Most general practice vets should be able to examine and treat Hades.

Thanks for reaching out about Willy and including a photo. Age is middle age and not considered old. Just because he did not respond to Karo syrup does not mean he doesn't have an insulinoma. But other conditions possible. A veterinary visit is recommended, but probably sooner than late next week. Monitor appetite and body score if you can. Good luck.