Message Number: YG7775 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Lisa Shortley
Date: 2001-10-08 02:37:00 UTC
Subject: Re: hepatitis in ferrets

--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Bruce Williams, DVM" <williams@e...>
wrote:

> Portal hepatitis is a common incidental finding in ferrets which is
> seen in association with any chronic inflammation of the bowel in
> ferrets (which, as you say, Gavin likely has, as evidence by his
> chronic diarrhea). In general, it is not worth treating.

In my readings on hepatitis in animals, it'd mentioned signs being
diarrhea, anorexia, wasting... How would you recommend treating the
diarrhea then? He's had a fecal done - nothing grew. He continues
to have this diarrhea and he appears to eat well and maintains
a "normal" weight for him at 2.4 lbs. You'd mentioned that the white
spots are seen in ferrets who are not eating well.

What can I do? More supplementation?

>In this case, there is no evidence of a definitive liver disease
>ongoing in Gavin, only changes secondary to his bowel inflammation.
>Let's go after the bowel changes, and the liver will clear itself up.

Thanks for any advice on this!
Lisa