Retrospective analysis of 68 domestic ferrets with urethral obstruction shows high rate of euthanasia at presentation despite good survival to discharge.

Ferrets receiving UO treatment have a 92% survival-to-discharge rate, with hypothermia predicting poorer outcomes.

This retrospective, multi-institutional study evaluated 68 domestic ferrets presenting with urethral obstruction (UO) across three US academic institutions from 2013 to 2023, establishing a hospital proportional morbidity rate (HPMR) of 2.09%. The three primary etiologies identified were urolithiasis (57.4%), adrenal disease-associated prostatic disease (19.1%), and undiagnosed causes (23.5%). A notably high euthanasia rate of 40.9% was recorded at presentation; however, of ferrets that received treatment, 92.3% survived to discharge, with a mean hospitalization time of 2.82 days. Post-discharge complications occurred in 23.1% of treated ferrets, and recurrence was documented in 31.6% at a median of 19 days. Ferrets with urolithiasis were significantly younger (median 2 years) and had higher blood glucose levels compared to those with adrenal disease-associated prostatic disease (median 5 years). Body temperature at admission was a significant prognostic indicator: survivors had a higher median temperature (37.4°C) compared to euthanized ferrets (36.7°C), suggesting hypothermia as a negative prognostic marker. Overall, the clinical parameters—including HPMR, hospitalization duration, survival rates, and recurrence—were comparable to those reported in cats with UO. These findings offer objective, evidence-based prognostic data to guide treatment planning and client counseling in ferrets presenting with urethral obstruction.

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