CDV – Canine Distemper in Ferrets – Early Stage Images

The following are images of two ferrets with suspected CDV – canine distemper virus. They were taken on June 24, 2011.

The sable ferret started showing pink around the mouth and chin two days earlier on June 22nd. The albino ferret started showing the same symptoms a day later. The “pink” or red flushing spread to the penile area on the male within about 12 to 24 hours; and then began to spread over the entire body with accompanying “pimples” or rash. He also had abdominal tenderness upon palpation.

Note the swollen eyelids and the early stages of sores and crusting on the chin. Both also developed the dark crusty area on the rectum within 24 to 48 hours.

Our veterinarian also noted that immediately upon shaving for blood work, the skin showed immediate severe irritation – redness – and the rash below.