Tooth Grinding (Video)

[katt]

An example of a ferret tooth grinding. This is Kenai after his abdominal surgery. He had an ulcer that slowed down his digestion and led to a backup of undigested, rancid (from not moving through) food. We bought he had a blockage (which he did of sorts, just not a foreign body) so he has emergency surgery.

Turn up the volume and you can hear it.

[Sherry]

Thanks for posting this Katt! Much easier to refer someone to this instead of trying to explain it in words

[katt]

You're welcome

[Deleted]

I know this is an old thread but I'm glad you posted it. I had thought that when they talked about teeth grinding they meant when they were chewing on toys, I had no idea this was what it was like. I love that we can learn here.

[tinytime17]

My ferrrt is doing this now after she has become paralyzed... I know the post says he’s grinding his teeth after the surgery so is the grinding a bad thing or?? Is it something I should mention to her vet?

[abbeytheferret6]

I have never had mine to grind teeth. However, I have read it is a sign of nausea or pain. Do you have a vet? If there is an exotic vet nearby that would really be better. I think your little one needs a checkup. 


Some things to check for with ferrets blood sugar and fecal tests.
My exotic vet will do a blood drawing for about $13.00 for insulinoma better than the pricking to get blood. To see an exotic vet here --- about 75- 80 dollars. Petco can recommend a vet since they sell ferrets. They may not be exotics but might know someone or are pretty well experienced in ferret health themselves.

[tinytime17]

Tiny at the moment has 2 exotic vets and I’ve brought her to a neurologist on Wednesday. She’s recently become paralyzed and I noticed she does the teeth grinding while she’s eating one of her vets called me back today and did say it could be a sign she’s uncomfortable. He also asked if she was still pooping and she has been. I just feel bad cuz I keep noticing things and I’m not sure if I’m paranoid but I keep calling the vet. They’re probably annoyed with me and think I should just put her down. 😔

[bandit]

Has your ferret been on any medications lately? Could the ferret have been exposed to any chemicals and ingested them?
Do you have more info by chance? How old is your ferret? Any health issues?

[tinytime17]

Hey there. She was only put on meds after I found her paralyzed and brought her to the vet. I adopted her about a year ago and was given no medical history from the family who surrendered her. When I brought her for a check up the vet said she was in good health besides a broken canine. I do have animals and it was discussed that maybe an accident happened randomly even though they get along fine. I didn’t get X-rays done. She’s been resting for 10 days in a small confined cage. She’s not a high energy ferret to begin with but I did let her out last night and today on a fleece blanket to just get her out and see if it helps her depression. I noticed a lump on her spine that I can’t remember if it was there originally due to the emotional stress of all of this... I called the neurologist to ask if it was there during his exam Wednesday and the secretary sent him an email. I’m going to keep an eye on it and if it’s bigger in the AM I will get her checked out. I’m just struggling cuz idk if I’m just putting off the inevitable or should t give up on her so soon. I saw a previous thread of a girl who had the same issue and she didn’t give up. I’m just very confused.

[bandit]

I rescued an injured ferret with hind leg issues from being caught in a cage, ...her previous owners surrendered her to a rescue, but didn't get her medical treatment. I adopted her on July 2nd, she had a series of cluster seizures on July 13th and passed away.
I would try to get your rescue to the vet and see what can be done, don't give up yet!
Hopefully, God willing, your ferret can recover.

[silentdook]

Aug 3, 2018 12:52:49 GMT -5 abbeytheferret6 said:

 Petco can recommend a vet since they sell ferrets. They may not be exotics but might know someone or are pretty well experienced in ferret health themselves.

PLEASE verify through a rescue, Yelp, or a trusted source before taking Petco's word on vets. 

I only say this because the local exotic vet here that Petco recommends doesn't know much about ferrets and told me that since she "can't get the distemper vaccine" that "well, they don't need it."
Even her website info on ferrets is full of misinformation. 

Luckily through a nearby (licensed) rescue I found a vet in the next town who is very experienced with ferrets.