Hypocalcaemia (puerperal tetany, milk fever, eclampsia) in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

Abstract

Dyspnoea and/or collapse are not uncommon presenting signs for ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) brought in to the veterinary clinic. A 2-year-old female entire ferret was presented 3 weeks post-whelping with sudden onset collapse and dyspnoea. Blood glucose levels were found to be normal, however biochemistry analysis showed profound hypocalcaemia. Clinical signs resolved fully after the administration of calcium gluconate. This case report alerts the clinician to the clinical presentation and management of hypocalcaemia in the lactating ferret.