Helicobacter Mustelae: Ferret Illnesses

Welcome to our series on Common Ferret Illnesses, and specifically our deep-dive into ferrets suffering from Helicobacter Mustelae. In this article, you will learn what causes it, the most common symptoms, and which ferrets are most at risk. We will also provide an overview on what steps you will want to take to help your ferret recover.

We at The Modern Ferret are all too familiar with Helicobacter Mustelae. Moose, our oldest ferret, suffered from a severe flair last year, which caused severe ulcers.

This article provides an overview of the illness. However, it you would like an extremely in depth guide of our personal journey with Helicobacter Mustelae (timeline, medication schedules, photos) please read this article.

What is Helicobacter Mustelae?

H. mustelae is a bacterium present in the stomach of most ferrets in the United States. If your ferret has it, he or she most likely got it from their mother as a kit. If this bacterium gets out of control, it can cause inflammation of the intestinal lining, which will cause your ferret’s intestines to stop producing enough mucous. When your ferret doesn’t product enough mucous, stomach acid will burn your ferret’s stomach and cause ulcers.

Symptoms:

• Vomitting
• Excessive salivation
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Blood in poop (black or red)
• Overly sleepy
• Teeth grinding (sign of pain)
• Painful belly
• Weight loss

Most at Risk:

H. mustelae primarly affects ferrets over the age of 4, especially ferrets under stress or suffering from other illnesses. Our own ferret, Moose, contracted Helicobacter Mustelae because his immune system was compromised from undiagnosed insulinoma.

How Do You Treat Helicobacter Mustelae?

If your ferret shows some of the symptoms listed above, take them to the vet immediately. If you wait, they will only get worse (we know from personal experience). Your vet will most likely prescribe antibiotics and medication to ease stomach discomfort. As with most illnesses, you have to make sure your ferret stays well fed and hydrated. This could be the difference between life and death.

Click here to learn the exact medication and steps we took to treat Moose’s Helicobacter Mustelae.

Click here to see the first aid kit we recommend for all ferret owners.