Disease/Illnesses Log Guidelines

The purpose of the Disease/Illnesses Log (the Log) is to allow us to document, share, and learn from each other's experiences with ferret diseases and illnesses. Additionally, if there are enough records, someone interested in statistical analysis might find value in this Log.  Important: Information in the Log should not be used to diagnose or treat a sick ferret.  If your ferret is ill, we recommend that you take him/her to a qualified veterinarian.

Below are some guidelines to follow when entering data.  These guidelines are meant to establish consistency in how some data are recorded.  This will make it easier for people to find information that might help them.  Some of the fields are self-explanatory; only certain fields are covered below.

• Disease -- The Log is sorted by this field with the intent of keeping all like diseases grouped together.  Therefore, common terminology should be used (as opposed to full technical terminology).  For example, not everyone will know what "hyperadrenocorticism" is, but most everyone knows "adrenal."  It will be difficult to apply this rule to all diseases/illnesses.  Do the best you can.
• Breeder -- List the breeder that your ferret came from.  DO NOT list private breeders' names (use the word "private").  It is acceptable to list the name of commercial breeders such as Marshall Farms and Path Valley.  If you do not know the breeder, use "unknown."
• Age/Date Diagnosed -- Enter the age (if known) and date (month/year-if known) the symptoms appeared or the disease was diagnosed.
• Treatment & Duration -- If drugs or other nonsurgical treatments were used, please list them and state how long the treatment was used.
• Side Effects -- List any side effects your ferret experienced from any drugs.
• Current Status -- How is your ferret now?  Unfortunately, some of us will be using the "D" word here.  :-(
• Comments -- Enter any info or thoughts you want to share that are not covered elsewhere.
• Links -- Enter URLs to sites you think are informative about the disease/illness.  You can also list other forms of info such as books, magazine articles, etc.  If you prefer, you can list these items in the "Links" page (listed in the panel on the left) and just enter "see links page" in this field.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to either post them or send them privately to any of the managers

We are all here to try to guide you in emergencies when you cannot reach you Vet, but we are not Vets and you should take your ferret to the vet at the soonest opportunity when there is something physically wrong.