From:
shelterwoman@yahoo.com
Date: 2002-09-03 00:10:56 UTC
Subject: Megaesophagus!
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <16758782.1031011856121.JavaMail.root@scandium>
In answer to your question, Sukie, the noise made by a ferret with megaesophagus is very distinctive! If you put your ear to the neck area, it is easy to hear all kinds of 'pinging, popping and gurgling noises, unfortunately it doesn't happen all the time. I have had several ferrets with it and before the condition became well known, I would rush my ferret to the vet and upon arriving, 'no noise', no diagnosis.
The last ferret I had with it was extremely hard to diagnose, infact the vet came to the house several times and practically accused me of 'hearing things', ha, ha!
Usually after eating, then the sounds are really noticeable, infact I have been at the other end of the house and heard a loud popping noise also what seemed like a shreik, but more than likely was gas escaping, as when confronted the ferret in question did not seem bothered by it!
Also the ferrets I have had, did not vomit every time they ate, but I would often find vomitus in the cage at varying times. As the problem progresses though, the ferrets do lose weight and do need supplemental feedings of soft food.
The person who wrote about Moose, while it could be Megaesophagus, I would wonder why the ferret stopped eating dry food first, it may be an entirely different problem, such as ULCERS, as the ferrets I have had with megaesophagus still ate their dry food, even though it may have been uncomfortable for them and only in the late stages ate soft food---Angela.