Instructions
Watch your ferret for signs of gastrointestinal or nervous system changes, such as constipation followed by diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, salivation and muscle tremors. These symptoms are not necessarily unique to lead poisoning, but they are indicators of some sort of serious poisoning and require evaluation by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Take your pet to a veterinarian and ask to have blood or tissue tests that can evaluate the level of lead in its body. Lead levels that are equal to or higher than 0.35 parts per million in blood, 10 ppm in the liver or 10 ppm in the kidney cortex indicate lead poisoning. Depending on the animal's exposure level and duration, the vet may recommend treatments such as medications. Some exposures are too severe to treat, at which point the owner must decide whether or not to euthanize the animal.
Follow your veterinarian's advice and make sure to monitor your pet's progress. Treatment can last anywhere from three days to two weeks, depending on what areas of the body the poisoning has affected. Follow-up exams and blood tests are necessary to determine whether the lead has been eliminated.
Determine the source of the lead poisoning by researching the age of your house (pre-1970s homes are most likely to have lead paint), and keep any items that might contain lead out of reach. Even items such as costume jewelry, buttons and fishing sinkers can contain lead, so make sure your pet's environment is safe.
How to Test for Symptoms of Lead Poisoning in Ferrets
Lead poisoning can afflict small pets such as ferrets, and it can be just as life threatening to them as it is you. Therefore, it requires treatment right away by a veterinarian. Lead is found in many substances that ferrets may come in contact with, including paint, bullets, linoleum, roofing materials, plumbing supplies, grease, putty, lead foil and toys. Gastrointestinal and nervous system changes are the most obvious signs that your ferret is suffering from lead poisoning.