Expert’s answer:
There could be several reasons why your ferret stiffens up and screams. It’s important to consider the context and observe your ferret’s behavior to determine the cause. Here are some possible explanations:
Fear or Feeling Threatened
One common reason ferrets scream is when they feel scared or threatened. If they are feeling cornered or trapped, they may vocalize their fear through screams or cries. This can also be a defense mechanism to startle their perceived threat and create an opportunity to escape.
Medical Issues
Certain medical conditions can cause ferrets to scream or exhibit unusual behavior. Seizures, for example, can cause twitching and screaming in ferrets Insulinoma, a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels, can also cause nausea, weight loss, and weakness in ferrets Dental problems and oral cancer can lead to oral pain, which may cause discomfort and changes in behavior.
It’s important to note that I am an expert and not a veterinarian. If your ferret is experiencing distressing symptoms, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian who can provide a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Interactions with Other Ferrets
If you have multiple ferrets, it’s worth observing their interactions. Tension or conflicts between ferrets can lead to screaming. If you notice persistent problems, it may be necessary to separate the ferrets to ensure their safety and well-being.
In any case, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian who can evaluate your ferret’s specific situation and provide appropriate guidance and treatment. They will be able to conduct a thorough examination and provide a more accurate diagnosis.
I hope this information helps, and I wish you and your ferret all the best!
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Books
 | The Country Gentleman – Volume 39 – Page 219 |
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 | Ferret in the Bedroom, Lizards in the Fridge – Page 101 |
| Author: Bill Wallace Year: 1988 | |
 | Betrayal: Peggin’s Journey from the Ladies of Llangollen to … – Page 22 |
| Author: Christine Purkis Year: 2023 | |
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 | The King of the Ferret Leggers and Other True Stories |
| Author: Donald Katz Year: 2001 | |
 | Uncle John’s Great Big Bathroom Reader |
| Author: Bathroom Readers’ Institute Year: 2012 |
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 "Why Does My Ferret Stiffen Up And Screams (20)")
🌎 PubMed Central (PMC)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158301/
FERRET BEHAVIOR
Annotation: Ferrets were originally used by man to control vermin and were domesticated for work, food, or materials for clothing and shelter. The process of domestication results in physical and physiologic changes from the ancestral species. The earliest written account of an animal that fits the description of our domesticated ferret dates back to the Greek satiric writer Aristophanes (448-385 BC). The Greeks domesticated the indigenous European polecat (Mustela putorius) in order to protect grain stores from rodent infestation. The ferret did not catch its prey but chased or frightened the rabbit out of its hole with its strong musky smell. The efficiency with which the ferret hunts rabbits brought it into favor with people. By the Middle Ages, man was ferreting rabbits throughout Europe and Asia (Figure 4-1). Many historians believe that eleventh-century Normans introduced ferrets to Britain, where they were used to chase rabbits out of burrows. In the twentieth century, ferrets were outlawed in the United States and Canada, but in the mid-19th century, they were still used for their fur.
Author: PETER G. FISHER·Size: 100375 chr
🌎 Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital | San Diego, California
https://www.drexotic.com/insulinoma-in-ferrets/
Ferrets: Insulinoma
Annotation: Insulinoma is a common and devastating disease in ferrets caused by the overproduction of the hormone insulin by the cancerous tissue. It is the second most common cancer of ferrets, second only to adrenal cancer. Early spay or castration has not been shown to increase a ferret’s chances of having this form of cancer. The pancreas has two functions, one called exocrine and the other called endocrine. After eating a meal that contains sugar or carbohydrates, blood sugar levels rise in the blood, causing the pancreatic beta cells to release insulin. When an insulinoma is present, too much insulin is released into the blood and the body’s tissues absorb too much glucose, resulting in the signs we see in the ferret. The disease is confirmed by tests showing high blood insulin levels and evaluation of cancer tissue removed at surgery. Early stages of insulinoma may show subtle signs, but as the disease progresses, ferrets may become unconscious or have seizures. If left untreated, the disease may progress to coma and death. In most ferrets that die of old age, they die of unusual forms of cancer, including insulinoma.
Author: DREXOTIC.COM·Category: Care and Health, Ferrets·Published: 18-03-2011·Updated: 19-07-2018·💬 144·Size: 8597 chr
🌎 PubMed Central (PMC)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7110485/
Emergency Medicine of the Ferret
Annotation: Ferrets are commonly found in emergency situations and require supportive and critical care for gastrointestinal disease, cardiac disease, neoplasia, or endocrinopathy. The emergency veterinarian must be familiar with anatomy and husbandry that differs from cats and dogs. Ferrets are members of the order Carnivora and family Mustelidae, making them close relatives to the mink, skunk, weasel, and otter. The scientific name of the ferret Mustela putorius furo literally translates as “stinky thief.” Ferrets have been domesticated for over 2000 years and are generally outdoor pets used for hunting rabbits, groundhogs, and other small mammals. Most American ferrets come from large ferret farms or ranches where they are neutered and de-scented at an early age. The vertebral formula is C7 T15 L5 (6 or 7).
Author: CHRISTAL POLLOCK, DVM, DABVP-AVIAN·Size: 89309 chr
🌎 JustAnswer
https://www.justanswer.com/veterinary/3yefd-home-find-one-male-ferrets-twitching-screaming.html
I came home to find one of my male ferrets twitching and screaming. The other two are perfectly fine. I recently changed
Annotation: A ferret named Christian is experiencing neurological symptoms such as seizures and low blood sugar due to a tumor of the pancreas called an Insulinoma. The vet suggests giving him honey or Karo syrup to help him stay hydrated and keep him quiet. He may need to be seen by a vet immediately if possible, but over-the-counter medications could be dangerous. The ferret is taking water from a dropper and is not interested in pine bedding, which is believed to cause liver and respiratory problems in rats and rodents. The owner has been holding him and feeling his lower body for signs of injury, but there is no physical injury. He screams at periodic intervals and his body goes rigid and he moves his tongue around. If the symptoms persist, he needs to be taken to an emergency vet, but the only one where the owner lives won’t even look at him without a $300 deposit. Pain is possible but less likely, and the owner wants to know why he is screaming.
Author: JACUSTOMER-RRBTBTQ7- :·Size: 5344 chr
🌎 Chewy
https://be.chewy.com/all-about-ferret-pain-and-distress/
All About Ferret Pain And Distress
Annotation: Ferrets rarely vocalize pain or distress, making it difficult to identify their distress. Pain tolerance in ferrets is a combination of factors, such as levels of excitement, fear or anger. Ferret distress is relative to ferrets, so things we would not normally recognize as being stressful can seriously bother a ferret. Causes of ferret pain are innumerable, but most relate to a ferrets inability to perform instinctual behaviors. Overcrowding, noise and light pollution, aggressive pets, rough handling and confinement can all be significant significant factors in ferret distress.
Author: CHEWY EDITORIAL·Published: 01-01-2011·Updated: 12-08-2022·Size: 11161 chr
🌎 WeaselWords | News and Information For the Ferret Lover
https://weaselwords.com/ferret-articles/an-owners-guide-to-ferret-health-care/
An Owners Guide to Ferret Health Care
Annotation: Ferrets require a high meat protein diet and a good quality dry ferret or kitten food. Most grocery store cat foods and some ferret foods are made primarily from corn and soybean meals. Ferrets have a short digestive transit time, so a poor diet may set them up for future health problems. The most common health problems in ferrets include anal gland impaction, which occurs in undescented ferrets when the opening of the anal gland is blocked or if a bacterial infection has caused the glands to produce thick, turgid material. Symptoms include an extremely swollen vulva, lethargy, hind limb weakness, loss of appetite, spotty or complete hair loss, and in some advanced cases, a sour smell. Treatment involves checking the anal glands regularly and detecting impaction early to prevent ruptures or infection. Prevention is no real prevention to this problem, and if it is not a frequent problem, routine removal of anal glands is recommended. Anesthesia is a common cause of death in unspayed, non-breeding females, and a hormone injection is recommended to prevent anemia.
Author: BY MARY VAN DAHM·Category: Ferret Care, Misc·Published: 16-01-2010·Updated: 16-03-2010·Size: 24283 chr
🌎 Pet Assure
https://www.petassure.com/new-newsletters/insulinoma-life-threatening-ferret-disease/
Insulinoma: Life-threatening Ferret Disease
Annotation: Insulinoma is a serious condition in ferrets that can lead to coma and death if left untreated. It is caused by the growths of beta cells in the pancreas, which can range in size from 2mm – 1cm. Ferrets are generally at risk when they reach three or more years of age. Early signs of insulinoma include a blank expression, depression, weight loss, foaming and pawing at the mouth, lack of appetite, lethargy, excessive salivation, difficulty in using hind legs, and vocalization. Once your ferret reaches the age of 2, it is a good idea to get a Fasting Blood Glucose test to have as a baseline. There is no absolute cure for insulinoma, but carefully supervised treatments consisting of surgery, diet control, and medicines can help increase a ferret’s life span by 3 or more.
Author: PETASSURE.COM·Size: 9635 chr
🌎 HOLISTICFERRETFORUM.COM
https://holisticferretforum.com/health/insulinoma/emergency-kit-for-insulinoma-crash/
Emergency Kit for Insulinoma Crash
Annotation: The article provides instructions on how to use an insulinoma emergency kit for ferrets with low blood sugar levels. The kit includes a glucometer, Q-tips, glucose gel, Karo syrup, high protein soft food, a syringe, and emergency vet phone numbers. The karo syrup is a cost-effective substitute for cane sugar in mass produced foods, sodas, and candies. It is applied to the gums to quickly bring the blood glucose level up to a level that will allow the ferret to regain consciousness and stabilize. The ferret should be laid down on a safe surface and given a high protein snack every 3 hours until the vet is called. The cat should be placed in a cage to prevent it from climbing to an upper level. Carnivore Care, Baby Food, or Critical Care Canned Food can be used in an emergency situation. If a ferret is newly diagnosed with insulinoma, they should be fed a low-fat, high-protein, and high-potassium diet. The article advises using specific brands of baby food and changing the cat’s diet to avoid high-fat and low-sugar options. It also advises not to dilute/water down glucose gel or honey and to consult with a vet for emergency situations. The emergency kit is a medical emergency and requires a 24-hour clinic phone number.
Author: HOLISTICFERRETFORUM.COM·Size: 6345 chr
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