Worried about Pixie

[Deleted]

So Pixie has been acting strangely the past couple days. She is not eating her chunks like normal, so I've been feeding her freeze dried mush/raw mush. She eats and drinks fine on her own, but when left to her own devices, the chunks aren't getting eaten. If I leave her with soup, it's gone in a heartbeat.

Her symptoms have, in general, been:
Some lethargy
She had some funky seedy stools (I gave lax, and she passed 2-3 huge stools, so probably some constipation - no foreign bodies). She has been pooing reguarly with no issues now.
She will follow me around and is interested in what I'm doing, will run to her squeaky toy, but then just lays down and stares at me. No interested in playing with Trixie, even when I try to initiate play.
Something about her eyes just doesn't sparkle (I don't know if that makes sense of not).

What should a ferret abdomen feel like? I feel some lumps and stuff, but are those just her internal organs?

People in my family have been sick (not sure with the cold or flu) so she could possibly have gotten something from them.

Do these symptoms fit anything in particular? Does anything jump out to you? Maybe she's just stressed out.

[Heather]

She could be dealing with a bout of flu. Ferrets can get these virus. You didn't mention how old Pixie is? could she have insulinoma? I know that's a horrible thing to bring up, but the symptoms do hold Considering that your family has been ill. I would check on that to start.
ciao

[Deleted]

She just turned 2 a couple weeks ago.

[Deleted]

What's the youngest insulinoma case you've had?

[Deleted]

I'd also like to add - I found fleas. Could this be a flea allergy?

[Deleted]

My understanding is that fleas can cause anemia in ferts, from the bites and blood loss. So would not necessarily have to be an allergy to them. The loss of blood would make her more tired for sure.

[Deleted]

I forgot about possible anemia. I'm getting some combo heartworm and flea stuff in the next couple days.

[Deleted]

If the laxatone resulted in some large stools, she could have some hairballs developing in her gut. Add some extra virgin olive to the meals to help ensure blockages are not developing...sounds like possible tummy ache?

Remember, it's shedding season for a lot of ferts right now. and hormonal spikes are also in full swing, even for neutered ferrets (both male and female.

-jennifer