Message Number: YG1018 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-03-10 00:44:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Baby ferret with inflamed rectum...

--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Karen Kerns" <kaschulz@m...> wrote:
> I adopted a five week old ferret who was being fed solid food.. His
rectum is swollen and red as a result of the food.. I have been
feeding him mush and have been medicating him three times a day.
Before he goes to the bathroom, his rectum is very red and blochy
looking, and so is his penis, but after he goes, it is only a little
swollen and a normal pink color. But I am not really seeing an
imporvement.
> His stool is normal, and he doesn't have any trouble going to the
bathroom. He is very active and playful and affectionate.
> My vet gave me the medicine and told me to apply it three times a
day.. I took him back yesterday, and she said to keep up the mush and
medicine and bring him back Monday.. But I thought you guys would
have some good advice.. He is such a sweet little baby..
> What can I do? Am I doing the right thing right now?
> Any advice would be greatly greatly appriciated!

Dear Karen -

Have you had a stool sample checked for parasites? What is the
character of the stools - are they normal or loose? What medicine
are you applying?

Those answers will help, but let me cushion it by saying that
prolapsed rectums are not uncommon in kits and the vast majority
eventually clear up.

With kindest regards,

Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
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