FERRETS — A TO Z. 193 



If the pens or boxes in which ferrets are con- 

 fined are not Ivept free from dampness and filth, 

 the ferrets will become infected with a sort of 

 scurvy, called foot rot. A thick scab forms on 

 the feet and tail. If the case is not attended to, 

 the toe nails grow long and become dry and 

 dead. The cure is very simple. Dip the affected 

 parts in coal oil every few days until the disease 

 is checked and killed; the scab comes off. If the 

 toe nails are groAvn out, all the dead nail should 

 be trimmed off; the nails will then grow out 

 again and the feet will be as sound as ever. 

 Three or four applications of coal oil usually 

 effects a cure. 



Sometimes it will be noticed among ferrets 

 that their fur does not look clean and bright and 

 on closer examination it will be seen that the 

 hair is matted together and the skin looks red 

 and is throwing off a sort of red dandruff'. If it 

 is not attended to, you will notice in a short time 

 that the hair will come oft* and reveal a dark col- 

 ored scab or sort of a spongy growth. This dis- 

 ease is caused by filthy pens, etc. A simple 

 remedy that will cure this disease is coal oil. 

 Usually three or four applications will effect a 

 cure. When using the remedy on young ferrets, 

 it should be put on with a brush; this can be 



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