Message Number: YG1425 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-03-18 21:32:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Diarrhea

--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Jim & Laura Ferris" <jlferris@s...>
wrote:
> Our youngest ferret had a healthy flu bug last year and ever since
then has an extremely sensitive digestive tract. He'll go several
weeks without an incidence, then I'll notice really loose poops once
or twice a day for several days, and even sometimes more than that.
His weight is good and he's healthy and playful, but it's a niggling
worry. I haven't tried giving him kaopectate.....would this be okay
to try? If so how much? He's about 45 ounces.
> Thanks!
> Laura

Dear Laura:

I must admit I am not familiar with the term "healthy flu bug" in
ferrets. Influenza in ferrets is usually of the respiratory variety,
so I am concerned that what you saw was not a flu at all, but some
other type of gastrointestinal problem that went undiagnosed.

The occasionally loose poops, especially if his weight is good and he
is active and eating are not of great concern, and I doubt that
kaopectate will be of any use in this case. If the frequency of the
loose stools increases, or if any other adverse signs appear, then I
might pursue some diagnostics in this case.


With kindest regards,

Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
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