From:
ferrets4all@aol.com
Date: 2003-02-03 20:22:13 UTC
Subject: RE: Coccidia
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <33547247.1044303733022.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> Are there specific symptoms of coccidosis like there seem to be with
> Helicobactor?
I can't speak as an expert, although I have had several boughts of coccidia in my ferrets over the years.
Many ferrets carry coccidia in the digestive tract, and as long as it doesn't get overgrown, it presents no problem. Each time I have found it in my group, only one or 2 were sick from it, but many had it in their feces.
The main symptom is severe diarrhea. I don't remember a particular odor, though. Also, loss of weight and dry course coat can be a sign they have it, but not criticly.
Coccidia is easly diagnosed with a fecal check. My vet usually does it in his office, but will occasionally send out a slide to the lab for confirmation.
Also, it is fairly easily treated with Albon. In very youg kits and health impaired ferrets it can be serious, though.Cleaning up afterward can be a problem, sometimes. You need to make sure that all areas are properly dysinfected, to prevent reoccurance.
As I said - I am not a vet, just a ferret owner that has dealt with it before.
Danee in VA