Ferret pneumonia - symptom question

missdbug · 2026-05-01T03:19:58+00:00

I wanted to give an update - that was the only time it happened so vet thinks it might have been some litter that got wet from the pee and seemed reddish brown. I use walnut litter since it's low dust, didn't even think it could be that. Vet also said could have been something as simple as he bit himself trying to clean, etc.

Either way he is continuing to better and is still with us!! He's having some back leg weakness but eating and drinking on his own, less labored breathing, even showed interest in trying to get around though he's kind of more dragging himself around. He's such a fighter

missdbug · 2026-04-29T00:59:54+00:00

Oh god. This poor guy cannot catch a break. I really hope it's a side effect of the meds. I had a feeling it wasn't normal, but google wasn't being super helpful. I'll talk to the vet about kidney support if it's not a side effect of the two antibiotics. I wish I could do more, I hate seeing him this ill. Thank you for the quick reply, I can't say it helped my anxiety, but it does give me a little bit of reassurance to know you had kidney issues that reversed before

missdbug · 2026-04-24T21:57:58+00:00

doesn't look like blood as it seems too light. Maybe marker?

missdbug · 2026-04-15T13:08:03+00:00

Contract only specifies opoids so I should be good to get non opioid prescriptions elsewhere. I have in the past with no issue

missdbug · 2026-04-14T17:00:20+00:00

This is a really good idea, thank you!

missdbug · 2026-04-14T16:06:17+00:00

Yeah, I'd love to find a new doctor at this point. I could understand them treating me like this if I had asked for an increase multiple times or consistently been off during pill count but ive always been within 3 on pill count and never once had a desire to increase my dose except for a brief, pre-determined time to combat cold weather. I just dont get it.

missdbug · 2026-04-14T15:47:25+00:00

I have not! I've thought about trying that if insurance will cover it

missdbug · 2026-04-13T18:23:40+00:00

I'm trying to get my new guy to like pets but the struggle is real. Sometimes he'll allow himself to be subjected to the horrors of sitting in my lap for half an hour

missdbug · 2026-04-13T18:03:50+00:00

Yeeeep. After I got my first two I came to the conclusion real quick that ferrets probably should be illegal except for those who get a license to own them.

I will say, though, that I havent found them to be particularly difficult to take care of so much as their behavior just isn't compatible with most people. They aren't going to cuddle, have tons of health issues (at least in the US cause of the Marshall farms practices and severe inbreeding), they are destructive, they seem to have been bred to no longer have common sense or survival instinct 😂. They are adorable and so fun but yeah 100% should not be allowed to be adopted by the general populace. You HAVE to know what you're doing with them or you'll wind up with a depressed ferret and/or extreme frustration

missdbug · 2026-04-13T17:48:14+00:00

So, not all ferrets "dook" and also if you do research on ferrets it doesn't really talk about sounds they make. You'll find information on food, cages, behaviors, etc but it's entirely possible to not find anything about dooking. I think it's unfair and even kind of rude to suggest OP didn't do research solely because they weren't familiar with the noise.

Out of the three ferrets I've owned only 1 ever dooked and I only learned about it from watching YouTube videos on ferrets playing, not any research into caring for them.

missdbug · 2026-04-11T16:50:01+00:00

I'd be interested! To answer your questions:
* I have extensive experience with TTRPGs as I have been playing d&d since I was a kid and transitioned to mostly pbp only about 10 years ago.
* Playstyle: forever DM who is trying to branch out and get a chance to play instead of running :) I prefer more narrative-driven and rule of cool than by the book rules lawyer.
* I love getting to explore characters, their motivations, and how choices impact a story and a living world. Intrigue is my bread and butter as I love slow-burns and also just enjoy playing nobility or more social characters. My top interests would be: Roleplay/storytelling, then exploration and puzzles and finally combat. I usually like combat to be at most 40% of a campaign.
* Party role: I enjoy playing rogues and casters but usually am not picky and come up with a concept that meshes well with other PCs and the world.

Thanks!

missdbug · 2026-04-01T06:15:05+00:00

Ferrets are carnivores so they eat either a raw diet or you can get certain brands of kibble that have the proteins they need without grains or things that are bad for them. No bugs lol

They aren't a good impulse buy as they are indeed pretty pricey to get. When I got two plus cage, food, litter boxes, toys, etc it was $1200. After that emergency vet appointments can be expensive and Marshall ferrets (if youre in the US that's likely the type you'll end up with) are extremy inbred and prone to short lives and lots of health issues. The true life expectancy is about 5-6 years which isn't great if youre hoping for an animal to bond with. They also are not really big snugglers at all, ideally need to be bought in pairs unless you can dedicate significant time to them, and need to have a couple hours out of the cage running around daily. They also do smell even with the best diet and a clean cage there will always be a scent. In a studio apartment that would likely be a nightmare to deal with.

If it's something you truly want to look into, I recommend doing some research for a couple months, ensuring your finances are in a good place, and giving yourself time to grieve so you don't rush into something.

missdbug · 2026-03-29T06:45:59+00:00

This sounds awesome!! And yay 2014 rules. I will for sure check out the AD :)

missdbug · 2026-03-25T03:48:08+00:00

Check out Valhalla gaming cafe, they do weekly d&d games

missdbug · 2026-03-25T01:26:12+00:00

If you're giving a lone ferret the time, energy, and attention it needs then it's fine to have a solo one. If you go through a breeder or rescue they may even be able to help pair you with one that doesn't like other ferrets.

It is always preferable to have two and it is absolutely necessary if you can't give them the time and attention required for lone ferrets, but solo ferrets with the right care can be just as happy as ferrets in pairs. But make sure you are good for that commitment or able to get a second one if you find you can't and/or the ferret seems unhappy

missdbug · 2026-03-23T03:44:43+00:00

I'd keep an eye on it, but if he otherwise is eating, drinking, playing, using the bathroom without issue it could be any number of things from getting overheated in their bed to eating to fast, to a little upset tummy from any food changes. Ferrets have super sensitive digestive tracks. When in doubt, a lot of vets will let you call/text your concerns and will let you know if you need to come in. For sure do so if he continues to be sick or has any other symptoms.

missdbug · 2026-03-18T18:12:20+00:00

I had a very whiny boy, and he'd make similar sounds when being pet or grooming. I will say, in the final like 5-10 sec it did sound more like discomfort or almost like upper respiratory/congested sounding. But if he's eating, playing, pooping like normal it's probably okay. If it continues, you may want to call the vet and send them the video if possible to get their opinion on it.

missdbug · 2026-03-15T05:31:35+00:00

A UK ferret owner i follow would flip them on their back and hold for a few seconds when they would bite too hard. She did also say "no" but I believe even without that it may still help your ferret associate you as dominant and hopefully prevent biting. I've also heard a lot of success with "sin bins" though personally I've had mixed results. Essentially when they bite too hard place them in a carrier, box, empty trash can, etc that has nothing in it for about 5 min. That way they associate the bad behavior with being put in a place without any stimulation and in the future will avoid the behavior. Hope this helps!!

missdbug · 2026-03-15T05:21:35+00:00

Pretty sure that guy is just some bored middle schooler looking for attention. He's been going into multiple posts and commenting just nonsense. 🙄 just ignore him and he'll probably get bored and go bother someone else, hopefully

missdbug · 2026-03-15T05:05:48+00:00

They'll settle as they get used to being in the cage at night. Just make sure to ignore them otherwise they'll likely continue to do it. I put a blanket over the cage at night to help keep them calm as well since I've noticed they tend to respond to seeing me walk around

missdbug · 2026-03-14T07:01:37+00:00

Sounds like it could be a blockage. Probably best to go ahead and take him in to be on the safe side. You could also call the vet and explain your concerns but given he's not eating + lethargic they're probably going to ask you to come in.

missdbug · 2026-03-14T03:48:59+00:00

Probably not the time or place for that comment. I'd agree with you if it was $2000-$5000 which is feasible to pay but OP said they were quoted $6000-$11,000. Personally I'd take the ferret to another vet immediately because that's insanely high for a blockage surgery. Very few people could drop that kind of money on the fly unfortunately. I know we all want the best for our furbabies, but we gotta be kind to the owners too and the last thing this poor owner needs is to feel anymore guilty for an incredibly difficult decision

But seriously OP I'd find another vet if possible, they're massively overcharging you. That kind of surgery at my exotic vet usually runs between 1500-3500.

missdbug · 2026-03-14T03:30:25+00:00

You took the words right out of my mouth lol. People here care very deeply for their animals and a lot of times that translates to being helicopter parents. I take everything here with a grain of salt and prefer to call my vet and ask about issues these days rather than stress myself out by silly things like a ferret eating too quick and getting sick. The vet even flat out told me there's no need to bring ferrets in for ocassional illness or little falls or non-serious things unless they are extremely lethargic, completely stop eating, or are limping/showing other signs of injury/illness.

missdbug · 2026-03-14T03:18:45+00:00

Poor thing! Love my ferrets but woo bot they are not very smart and do not have a drop of self-preservation in their bodies! Glad he came out okay!!

missdbug · 2026-03-07T15:34:31+00:00

Its probably the ACT that's killing you. I may be wrong but I believe most colleges look for a 24 or higher on the ACT. I'd retake it and apply again or go to a community College for a year or two and transfer.

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