From:
Jacqueline Snyder
Date: 2001-05-14 10:39:00 UTC
Subject: ECE and/or Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Does anyone have experience with ECE and IBS in ferrets? Or suggestions
about what the following problem could be?
Three years ago we got two kits. One turned out to have ECE and the other,
the ferret in question, didn't have symptoms, but probably had the virus.
We've had ECE flare-ups a few times since then in our business, but it has
been manageable.
The ferret in question now seems to have ECE --or something-- that just
won't quit. He has until now been one of the healthiest. Previously he had
not had any symptoms of ECE or other intestinal illness. For the last few
weeks, however, his stools are greenish and sometimes orangish, and very
mucousy. The ferret has not lost weight and does not appear to have
dehydration problems. He is normally active. Except for the loose stools,
he appears normally healthy.
Our vet suggested irritable bowel syndrome, but this was during an earmite
treatment, not a specific exam. (I am sure that if the ferret had looked
ill to him then, he would have looked into it more.)
I'd appreciate advice.
Jacqueline