My ferret won't eat after a rectal issue. Should I see a vet?

Question

Over the weekend my ferret's rectum became red and swollen and she wouldn't eat. She walked around with her back arched and tail raised. I was waiting to call the vet because they were closed, but now the rectum is back to normal, but she still shows little to no interest in food. She will drink water and take Ferretone, and she is behaving totally normal in every respect except eating. Should I take her to a vet now or keep trying to get her to eat for a day or two? Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female | spayed

Lauren Kennedy, DVM · Accepted Answer

I would be concerned that your ferret is either constipated, having diarrhea, or perhaps has a foreign body/blockage going on. If she does not eat within a 24 hour period then yes, I would recommend taking her into the vet. Your veterinarian will need to palpate her abdomen, possibly do a fecal exam, and may recommend abdominal x-rays and an ultrasound. Because ferrets are so small they can become dehydrated and weak very quickly if not eating and drinking. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Please let us know if you have any other questions or if anything changes with Zelda. Best of luck!

My ferret won't eat after a rectal issue. Should I see a vet?

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