Heartworms can affect ferrets, like the Albino Mitt ferret, in much the same way as it affects dogs and cats. When you adopt a ferret the first thing you should do is schedule a routine wellness exam. Always request your vet to test your Albino Mitt ferret for heartworms. Heartworm disease can be fatal if not treated. The disease is caused by a foot-long worm that can invade the heart, lungs and blood vessels. This can cause lung disease and heart failure among other things. Because of a Albino Mitt ferret’s size, a single heartworm can cause the same amount of damage as multiple heartworms in a dog or cat. Prevention is the best form of treatment. Ask your vet about on a monthly heartworm prevention plan for your ferret. For further information regarding heartworm disease, ways to prevent it and ways to treat it, consult with your veterinary clinic Scottsdale, AZ.