If the gland ruptures, a draining hole will be seen near the anus, and the pet may lick at the area frequently. Treatment is by surgical removal of the anal glands. Even if only one is affected now, remove both as the other may become affected later. There is no prevention, and this disease does not occur with sufficient frequency to warrant routine anal gland removal in all ferrets. D. Cataracts Caused when the lens of the eye becomes opaque.
Light can no longer reach the retina and the animal becomes blind.
In ferrets it is primarily seen in animals under one year of age and is considered to be hereditary. In other cases it may be caused by aging of the eye in very old animals or as a result of injury to the eye. Signs are almost nonexistent. Ferrets have very poor eyesight and do not depend on it for much. Many people are surprised to find that their ferrets are blind.