Ferrets Diseases. 207 



hutches damp and filth in the hutch, owing to a con- 

 tinued omission of cleaning out and replacing the old dirty 

 straw by new, fresh and clean. Another, no doubt, fruitful 

 source of foot-rot is the use of wire netting or perfo- 

 rated zinc in the hutch floor. The claws catch in the 

 uneven crevices, the feet become lacerated, and the result 

 is foot-rot. 



Under the affliction of this malady, the toes round the 

 claws become sore and feverish, the interstices of the feet 

 are similarly affected, and proud flesh soon commences to 

 form, the inflammation increasing in the feet. The fungous 

 growth both about the claws and on the tail must be 

 thoroughly removed either with a knife or the thumb nail, 

 in spite of any bleeding which may result ; but one must 

 be careful to get all the scabby portions off. When the 

 rot has not obtained any great hold, the immediate cause 

 may be removed by washing the feet and tail in strong, 

 warm, soft soap and water, which will bring away all dirt 

 and discharge from sores ; afterwards the parts should be 

 washed again in plain water, to lessen the stringent effect 

 of the soft soap, and some remedy applied to stop the 

 spread of disease and inflammation. For this purpose a 

 little powdered sulphur made into a stiff paste with equal 

 parts of sweet oil and turpentine is suitable, being a not 

 too drastic application. 



When, however, the disease has made more headway, 

 there is nothing for it, if you want to save your ferrets, but 

 to apply severer specifics. The fungous flesh having been 

 removed, the tail and feet must be dipped in turpentine, 

 which will cause the animal considerable pain, and it is 



