From:
dr_bruce_williams
Date: 2001-12-11 13:04:00 UTC
Subject: Re: constipation or blockage?
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "maikeru207" <maikeru207@y...> wrote:
> Has anyone noticed their ferrets become constipated after giving
them
> treats that have a higher fiber content than their normal food?
>
> My ferret primarily eats Totally Ferret with a little Innova food
> mixed in. I have noticed after giving him Nature's Recipe tartar
> control treats (3.5% fiber) or California Natural cat food (4.0%)
as
> treats that his poop schedule gets thrown out of whack. He has
also
> shown off and on mild symptoms of a blockage, so I'm just making
> guesses. His abdomen was pretty firm all day yesterday so I gave
him
> some vaseline and he finally did some pooping last night and his
> abdomen is soft again.
>
> Could it be that the higher fiber treats are aggravating an
existing
> blockage?
Dear Michail:
As you phrased the question: yes, it could be. Blockages may be
partial in ferrets, and allow the passage of some material (often
resulting in pencil-lead or loose stools) But I would be hesitant to
ascribe a lot of significance in this chance event - a vet check with
a barium study of the stomach and itestine is probably a more
scientific and beneficial approach.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM