From:
Stephanie
Date: 2001-09-06 17:42:00 UTC
Subject: [Ferret-Health-list] Re: ECE?
Thanks Mike,
I just spoke with the shelter that I adopted from and they have not had ECE.
They had these guys a while before I got them and none of their other
fuzzies are showing any symptoms, nor are the two that I brought home. I
have separated my 7+ ferret Maggie to the back portion of the house. She has
not been in contact with anybody, but has roamed in the same areas that they
play in. I realize that even being separated, it is pretty sure she will get
it also. I did notice the smell, but thought it was spray since Bullwinkle
is not de-scented and it smelled exactly like that. My vet wanted to start
with this regimen and has us keeping an eye on them.
Is it possible that only my guys are reacting to this when the other shelter
ferrets are fine?
Thanks for the help,
Stephanie
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Janke [mailto:mjanke@m...]
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2001 2:15 PM
To: Ferret-Health-list@yahoogroups.com
Explosive diarrhea 48 hours after the introduction of new ferrets
sounds like classic ECE symptoms. There is no test for it, though
there is a researcher out there that can examine a stool sample and
determine if the virus is present. Only Dr. Williams would be able
to tell if you if this could be done and where to send a sample. I
don't think you need that level of diagnosis to know what you have.
If your vet has ruled out all other possibilities, then it's a pretty
sure bet it's ECE. In that case, be prepared for an extended period
of supportive care for Bullwinkle. Even if he's willing to eat his
kibble, he should be on a bland, easily digestible diet for now.
ECE poop does not always look the same from every ferret. Sometimes
it's bright green, but just as often it can be yellowish and bubbly,
liquid and slightly green or mostly mucus. There are probably other
variations too. The odor is usually really, really nasty.
mike