From:
Roger Vaughn
Date: 2002-04-23 06:22:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Re: Grainy poop
Angela,
Yes, his stomach may be upset from eating rubbish. Switching from
rubbish to a good food may have upset his system, too. Switching any
foods usually causes abnormal stools for a few days. The grainy poop
means he isn't digesting fats well. With a little luck that should
clear up in time.
I suggested blood work for the flat ferret routine, since you think he
isn't as energetic as he should be. You can't really test for ECE. A
CBC will point out anemia if present, plus any other surprises that may
be lurking in there. (The way he was found - who knows?) A glucose
test should tell you how his blood sugar is, too. This likely isn't
necessary, but I like to be cautious with mine and get everything
checked. It costs me a bit, but I hope my ferrets will be that much
healthier for it.
Yow! Your vet shaved a ferret for blood? That really isn't
necessary. Blood can be drawn from the leg or thr jugular right
through the fur. Both the Hillyer/Quesenberry book and the Purcell
book describe the technique, if your vet has access to those.
Roger, Digger, Bear, Fox and Sniffles
> You suggested blood work - would this be to test for ECE or any
> other abnormalities. How do vets take blood from ferrets in
> the US. One of my other ferrets needed to give a blood sample and
> the vet shaved half his fur off!!!