From:
fmd409
Date: 2002-01-31 08:50:00 UTC
Subject: Re: new ferret
ECE is virtually impossible to quarrantine outside of a medical
facility. Here (ECE positive shelter), we don't even try to
quarrantine. We just assume it's a given that each new arrival WILL
break with it within the first week and begin supportive care at the
first symptom. With immediate intervention and adequate supportive
care for the week or so that the virus is running it's course, the
worst effects can be averted.
In your case, it's most likely the same situation in reverse. If the
new ferret is a carrier, your older ferrets have probably already
been exposed. In the case of older ferrets, it is especially
important to begin supportive care at the first symptom.
The greatest danger is actually the ferret's failure to eat due to
the nausea caused by the viral infection. A few missed or
insufficient meals sets off a downhill chain reaction that can make
recovery difficult. It's imperative to keep something on their
stomach until they are eating normally again. Chicken baby food is a
very good supplement or stand-alone food for ferrets with ECE because
it's bland and easily digestable.
Older ferrets with ECE need to see a vet for an antibiotic
prescription to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Sometimes the age difference doesn't make a difference. I've seen
some older ferrets take a liking to a youngster. Others, however,
prefer the youngster go bounce elsewhere. Young ferrets will usually
get a little rough with the old folks at first and may even get
aggressive, so close supervision is necessary to avoid excessively
stressing the older ferrets. A scruff dragging is ok as long as it's
not accompanied by vicious shaking. This is a normal, instinctive
activity for ferrets and is generally more stressful to humans than
it is to ferrets.