Heartworm disease is a potentially fatally disease in most animals. Ferrets are prone to the disease like cats and dogs. The disease is transmitted primarily through mosquitoes which can deposit heartworm larvae into the bloodstream. When the larvae becomes infective and then grown it can travel as worms throughout the bloodstream and eventually invade the hearts, lungs and other vital organs. Symptoms in ferrets can appear immediately or over time. Symptoms of heartworms may include respiratory distress, a cough, fatigue, rapid breathing, and pale blue or muddy colored gums. If you notice any of these signs in your ferret, please call your vet. Heartworms are very dangerous. Treatment is available, but it’s important to understand it is not always successful. If you see behavioral differences or other symptoms you should also call your vet as your ferret may have some other type of illness. Always ask your veterinary clinic Burlington, ON when it comes to your ferret’s health.
