Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ferret showing ataxia and vomiting from antifreeze poisoning
By Nieweg, Sören et al.·Published in Veterinary Record Case Reports·2025·Small Animal Practice Dr. S. Cichowski Dissen Germany, Germany·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Ethylene glycol intoxication (antifreeze poisoning) in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
- Species:
- rodent
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old male ferret was brought to the vet after being poisoned by antifreeze (ethylene glycol), which can be very dangerous. The ferret showed signs like unsteady walking, extreme tiredness, vomiting, and not eating or urinating. Despite receiving treatments like ethanol infusion and medications to help with nausea and fluid retention, the ferret sadly passed away from kidney failure two days later. Antifreeze poisoning is rare in ferrets, but it can be fatal without quick treatment.
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Abstract
AbstractAn 8‐year‐old, 1.06 kg, male castrated, domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo), was presented with an antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning. The relevant medical history shows a T‐cell lymphoma diagnosed 8 months ago and was being treated with prednisolone. At the initial examination, an ataxic gait was noted and blood, urine and abdominal ultrasound tests were performed during the 48‐h hospitalisation. During hospitalisation, clinical examinations revealed ataxia, apathy, somnolence, hypothermia, salivation, vomiting, anorexia and anuria. Blood tests and ultrasound examinations revealed the development of azotemia with reduced urine‐specific gravity and loss of renal structure, with renal medulla and cortex no longer being differentiated. Treatment included ethanol infusion, metoclopramide, maropitant and furosemide. The ferret died of acute renal failure 48 h after initiation of therapy and autopsy confirmed antifreeze intoxication as the cause of death. Antifreeze poisoning in ferrets is underreported but possible. Prognosis is poor without immediate therapy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.70126