Sarcoptic Mange in Ferrets

Sarcoptic mange (aka scabies) is caused by mites which invade the skin of healthy ferrets and cause a number of problems, including hair loss and severe itching.

It also affects the feet and is occasionally termed “foot rot”. The paws become red, swollen and painful. There might also be crusts and intense itching. The nails also can become quite deformed, or even fall out.

We had a ferret given to us with foot rot and he was not a pretty sight. We called him Wookie, as he looked like a Star Wars creature – orange fur, incredibly ugly nails and the worst case of the itches I have ever seen! Poor little guy!

We took him to our vet and he was put on a course of Ivermectin and it cleared up the problem beautifully. After the mites were exterminated, we had Wookie sterilized and that took care of his orange coat.

He ended up being a very handsome albino with a soft, snow white coat!

Don’t ignore any signs of foot rot, as it could to the loss of the foot if left untreated.

However if you are treating your ferret with Revolution, then you shouldn't have any worries about it getting scabies.

More information about Sarcoptic Mange in Ferrets can be found on the following sites…

Scabies (Sarcoptic Mange) by Holly Nash, DVM, MS

Mange in Ferrets (PetMD)