My little weasel is sick!  She's about 6 1/2 years old, and spayed...no contact with other ferrets, only my two cats.  She doesn't get out of the cage recently except about once a week, but tonight when I took her out, she looked like she had a fat belly.  I touched her stomach and it's real hard, but it doesn't seem to cause her any pain.  It's almost like she's distended.  I know she's not impacted, because I saw her use the box right before she got out.  She's also weak...she has never been able to stand being held, yet she just about fell asleep in my arms.  When she walks, she has a noticable waddle.  What could it be!?  I have a feeling it's a tumor, but I want to hear from a vet.  I'm gonna try to take her in the morning to be examined, but I'd like to know in advance what to possibly expect.

Please help me!  [>(]

btt

It's probably adrenal disease. the adrenal glands become enlarged and hard when the condition becomes agravated.  Does she have any hair loss or thinning on her body?

Also the possibility of cysts that can be treated with anitbiotics.

Get her to the vet ASAP.

Yes, she has hair loss and is thin.  The thing is, she's fairly old for a ferret, and she had no signs before this week.  I just figured it was due to old age...

sounds like adrenal disease.

It can be treated with drugs sometimes, but sometimes surgery is required.  Her age may make you think about what course of treatment you want to take.

Make sure you find a vet that is good with ferrets.  Best of luck.

Are you a vet?  I really hope she can respond to drugs.  I don't really have the money for surgery, and I don't know if she could survive it anyway.  If neither are viable methods, how much life do you think she would have left?

I'm not a vet, but I have a few ferrets myself and I read the literature.  Adrenal disease is really complicated and beyond what I can explain very well.  Lots of what ifs with that stuff.  Best thing to do is find a competant vet and get a proffessional opinion.  

Never buy another ferret from a petshop, they are never as healthy and live shorter lives than ones bought from breaders...we learned that the hard way.  

Thanks a bunch SR.  I'm gonna call around in the morning and skip work if I have to.  I live nowhere near my old vet, but I'm sure there's one around here for her.  Thanks again.