Disseminated Idiopathic Myositis (DIM) in Ferrets ('Polymyositis')Vets have come across a new, vague and apparently terminal illness in ferrets. First discovered in 2003, Disseminated Idiopathic Myositis (DIM) -- which is also known as 'Polymyositis' -- is an inflammation of the muscles (from the terms 'myositis' and 'polymyositis'). The other two terms which make up the name of the disease show that it is present throughout the body (disseminated) and the cause of the problem is not yet understood (idiopathic). Both male and female ferrets are susceptible to this disease and while it seems to affect those aged 18 months and younger, there have been cases of ferrets aged over 2 years having this problem. The symptoms are vague and non-specific and can include:-
If you suspect your ferret is suffering from DIM and you live in the States, go to the American Ferret Association's page on DIM to print out the DIM Case Report Form for Veterinarians as well as their DIM Alert pdf file. For those of you who don't live in the States then just print out the DIM Alert and take it to your ferret knowledgeable vet for him to see if the problem is, in fact, DIM.
There's more on this weird disease on the Pet Education website as well as an article on DIM on the University of Illinois site, although it seems to be the same as the one on the AFA site.
I've written about the symptoms and the very short period between the time I first noticed something wrong with Otis to when he finally left us
here.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this page is not meant to replace seeing a veterinarian if you think your ferret is ill. It’s only meant to supply general information on a particular illness which was obtained either from personal experience with my sick ferrets, or from books and/or the Internet. Return from Disseminated Idiopathic Myositis in Ferrets to All About Ferrets
|
Severe lethargy and weakness 
