Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Severe cannabinoid poisoning in a ferret treated with lipid therapy
By Huerta, Claudia et al.·Published in Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care·2025·Veterinary Teaching Hospital Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Washington State University Pullman Washington USA, United States·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Severe Cannabinoid Intoxication in a Ferret ( Mustela putorius furo ) Treated With Intravenous Lipid Emulsion
- Species:
- rodent
Plain-English summary
A 1-year-old female ferret was brought to the vet after being found vocalizing and acting strangely under a chair. She showed signs of severe lethargy, slow heart rate, and low body temperature. After some tests, it was discovered that she had likely eaten candies containing cannabinoids, which was confirmed by a urine test. The vet treated her with intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) to help remove the toxins, and after a few days of care, she improved significantly and was able to go home. A month later, her owner reported that she was back to her normal self.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective To describe the clinical signs and outcome of a ferret with cannabinoid toxicosis diagnosed with an over‐the‐counter urine tetrahydrocannabinol test and treated with intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE). Case Summary A 1‐year‐old spayed female ferret was admitted for evaluation of abnormal mentation after being found vocalizing under a recliner chair. The physical examination revealed severe bradycardia, bradypnea, hypothermia, and stuporous to comatose mentation. Blood analyses revealed hypercapnia and severe acidemia. Treatment for presumptive traumatic brain injury was initiated. A full body lateral radiograph and computed tomography of the skull did not reveal any signs of traumatic injuries. Seventeen hours after admission, the owner reported that the ferret potentially ingested three cannabinoid containing candies. An over‐the‐counter urine test confirmed cannabinoid intoxication. Due to the severity of clinical signs and the lack of response to supportive therapy, ILE was administered 18 and 22 h after admission with the aim of enhancing decontamination. The ferret's vital signs, neurological status, and laboratory results gradually improved. Four days after admission, the ferret was bright, alert, and responsive, neurologically normal, had a normal appetite, and was discharged from the hospital. Thirty days after discharge, the owner reported that the ferret appeared to be healthy. New or Unique Information Provided The diagnosis of cannabinoid toxicosis in a ferret was confirmed with an over‐the‐counter human urine test, and the ferret was successfully treated for severe cannabinoid toxicosis with ILE and supportive care.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.70044