What causes a ferret's red, swollen anus and what should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My ferret's anus is red and swollen. He doesn't seem too bothered by it but it looks pretty bad.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 22nd, 2015
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.
20Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 6th, 2018
Unfortunately I cannot see a lot there on these photos. A rectal prolapse occurs when the ferret has diarrhea, for example or when it tries to poop a lot and nothing comes out, Usually a rectal prolapse will look red and angry as the inside of the rectum will prolapse. If you see that you will need to keep it moist ant take your ferret to a vet right away. If the anus is light pink and does not look angry or bloody, then your ferret may just have a large anus. Make sure it does not have diarrhea and feed it only good quality ferret food. Keep its cage very clean, especially the litter box or corner where it eliminates,
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
hello there. me and my girlfriend bought a ferret last week he is only 1.5 months old and we are worried that he might be starting a develop a rectal prolaps. his little butthole seems swollen, it isnt red but we dear it might be on its early
My ferret seems to have a red and swollen anus, she isnt bothered by it at all I know I should take her in but will she be okay to wait a a day to maybe a couple days? Or can I get some sort of cream that will help?
Ferret has a prapsed anus
SHARE Please help! My ferret has a very swollen red rectum that looks mildly prolapsed ! My local exotic vet is out until MONDAY!! I HAVE APPLIED PREP H and cortisone cream, swelling was better this morning! any other advice until I can get her look
My ferret belly looks swollen and he acts like he's gotta poop can't
My 7 years old ferret just had a prolapsed rectum i got it back in just fine. Sould i do any thing else?
Cats anus is slightly swollen but definitely not prolapsed yet, what should we do?
I have a Marshall ferret it is a male age is 4 months he has diarrhea and a swollen eye with redness and a white discharge
My ferret, Sammy has a prolapsed rectum. I took him to the vet twice, paid a ton of money and he was put on antibiotics for a UTI. She took an X ray and ran a fecal test and everything came back normal. The vet said his anus “looks great”. I came hom
My dogs anus is red and swollen he keeps licking it
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