Retrospective analysis of 68 domestic ferrets with urethral obstruction shows high rate of euthanasia at presentation despite good survival to discharge.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a hospital proportional morbidity rate (HPMR) for urethral obstructions (UOs) in domestic ferrets; describe clinical presentation, interventions, and outcomes; and report associations with UO etiologies and survival.

METHODS

In this retrospective, descriptive, epidemiological study, electronic medical records were evaluated from ferrets presenting to 3 academic institutions in the US between 2013 and 2023. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were performed. Parametric and nonparametric results are reported as mean ± SD or median (IQR).

RESULTS

A total of 3,242 records were reviewed. The HPMR was 2.09% (68 of 3,242). Urethral obstruction etiologies included urolithiasis (57.4% [39 of 68]), adrenal disease-associated prostatic disease (19.12% [13 of 68]), and undiagnosed etiology (23.53% [16 of 68]). Twenty-seven of 66 ferrets (40.91%) were euthanized on presentation. Of the remaining ferrets, 92.31% (36 of 39) survived to discharge. Average hospitalization time was 2.82 ± 2.21 days. Complications occurred in 23.08% (9 of 39) of ferrets, and recurrence rate after discharge was 31.6% (6 of 19) with a median of 19 days (IQR, 1 to 1,164 days). Ferrets with urolithiasis were significantly younger (median, 2 years old) and had significantly higher blood glucose (median, 127 mg/dL) compared to ferrets with adrenal disease-associated prostatic disease (median age, 5 years old; median blood glucose, 91 mg/dL). Ferrets that survived to discharge had significantly higher body temperature on admission (median, 37.4 °C [99.4 °F]) compared to ferrets that were euthanized (median, 36.7 °C [98 °F]).

CONCLUSIONS

Ferrets with UO had an HPMR, hospitalization times, and survival and recurrence rates that were similar to those of cats.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings provide objective prognostic data to better inform treatment recommendations and client decision-making.