Can ferrets have transfusions?
Yes. Ferrets have no apparent blood types, so if your ferret needs a transfusion any other ferret can be a donor — the bigger, the better. Dr. Susan Brown writes, “Approximately 20 ml of whole blood can be removed by cardiac puncture from a healthy male ferret weighing 1 kg [2.2 lb] with no side effects; it can then be used immediately for transfusing. 12 cc may be removed from a female weighing .75 kg [1.6 lb].” If your ferret is going in for extensive surgery, ask your vet whether it might be a good idea to also bring along a big, healthy ferret as a potential blood donor, just in case it’s needed.
