From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2002-10-20 02:47:32 UTC
Subject: RE: stomach ulcers and coccidia
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <13941159.1035082052074.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
>> 1. Buster should be on carafate for a few weeks, is it o.k.
> he is back eating the ferret food since he feels so much better
> and should I consider Helicobacter treatment if he is still
> grinding? I can't feed him the baby food more than
> twice a day on weekdays because of work, so I feel that
> he won't get enough to eat if I don't let him eat the ferret
> food.
I generally recommend a bland diet during ulcer treatments - but some kibble probably won't hurt, especially as it appears that he is on the mend. Try to feed him every four hours while you are home - that will still allow him three or four feedings per day.
> 2. If the second ferrets stool is positive for coccidia, since
> he is on the Bactrim for 14 of the 21 days now, do I change
> him and everyone else to Albon and restart the deep cleanings
> and bleachings all over again?
No, I would stay with the Bactrim up to 28 days - some infections can take a little longer to clear with Bactrim. I usually recommend using Albon first, though.
> 3. For how long do I keep up
> the cleanings? I figured only necessary while symptomatic.
> And I cleaned with a bleach solution, all the cages were
> wiped down initially- using paper towels that I threw
> away after each cleaning and all boxes, and water bowls and
> bottles. Then I just did the boxes every other day
> and kept the one isolated to his own litter box and cage until
> his diarrhea was gone. Then for the past week, since Buster
> didn't have any diarrhea I stopped the thorough cleanings
> and let him into the group again.
> Is there a different way to clean, or better way to clean if
> the stool for the other ferret is positive?
> how long to isolate?
They can still shed infective oocysts while not symptomatic, so the cleanings should continue until the stools are cleared. Isolation isn't as important as long as you keep the litters cleaned and the boxes and cages disinfected.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM