My ferret's belly is swollen and he's trying to poop. Is it serious?

I recommend that you have your ferret examined by an exotic species veterinarian. First, I am concerned that your ferret may have a small rectal prolapse. This occurs when rectal tissue is pushed through the anus, often due to straining from constipation. Alternatively, if your ferret has diarrhea or loose stools, the skin around the anus can become swollen and irritated. Ferrets can also get impacted or infected anal glands. Treatment will vary depending on what is causing the redness and swelling, so a proper diagnosis is very important.

Thanks for reaching out about Clover and including photos. It does appear as if the neck is swollen but also appears the abdomen is large also. Juvenile lymphoma should be considered and is not painful to the touch unless very large or impinging organs. A veterinary visit is recommended, sooner than later but don't think an emergency for tonight. Juvenile lymphoma will require fairly intensive treatment but should be diagnosed and started soon. Infections can also cause enlargement of lymph nodes but are usually localized. Good luck.

Firmness under the left rib cage could be due to more serious problems like bloat, an enlarged liver/spleen, or an abdominal mass, but if Slinky is now eating/drinking normally and pooping normally (normal consistency and frequency), I would just continue with the ferretlax for 3 more days and perhaps offer Oxbox critical care slurry for added hydration. If tomorrow and the next day the abdomen still feels firm on palpation, it would be safest to schedule an exam +/- ultrasound or abdominal radiograph with your local exotics veterinarian. Ferrets are prone to developing insulinomas and adrenal tumors that usually are not noticeable on palpation but if the firmness persists, it would be best to rule out some of these more serious conditions. Good luck!

Anything you apply will likely be licked off, so this is not recommended. You can feed a bland diet and use an e-collar (cone) if she begins to lick her back end until she sees the doctor. If she suffers a prolapse, she should be seen right away. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites.

What a cute name! Toby most likely is doing just fine. I would continue to monitor him when he is asleep and awake playing. IF at anytime he is not drinking, eating or playing I would recommend taking him to the vet for a good exam. Toby could have an obstruction or gastritis (upset belly) that is causing him to look more bloated while sleeping. I think at this time monitoring him is the best option

This could be due to a viral infection, possibly affecting both respiratory and gastrointestinal system. An immediate check up at your local veterinarian is required as antibiotics are likely to be needed.

Your ferret may have conjunctivitis or a corneal ulcer (a scrape on the outer most surface of the eye). I would recommend taking him in to see your vet so his eye can be evaluated. He will likely need some eye medication, like an antibiotic, to help get it under control.