Message Number: YG8986 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-11-25 23:10:00 UTC
Subject: Re: re:pepto

--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "mjo" <mjo.dullum@v...> wrote:
> Dr. Williams, you say pepto doesn't work for loose stools. What
does
> work? I've gone through the ECE here lately and still have the
loose
> stools every once in a while with a couple of the girls. What can
I
> use instead of pepto?
>
> Thanks.
>
> mjo and the zoo

I don't recommend any drugs for loose stools, as they generally don't
work. ECE results in a marked loss of surface absorptive area in the
intestine, and in some cases, a prolonged inflammatory response
contributes to the intestinal damage.

Look to the diet - kibble is a difficult food for the intestine to
digest, and most treats, especially those with fiber in them are
equally bad. Try to eliminate those in animals with loose stools.

Occasional loose stools, as long as the animal is still eating,
drinking, and acting well are generally not a problem, and probably
do not warrant medical intervention.

No magic pill for this one - generally the tincture of time is the
best medicine.

With kindest regards,

Bruce Williams, dVM