From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2003-02-26 03:06:41 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Small poops and coughing
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <8805966.1046228801501.JavaMail.root@scandium>
> If the color of the stools is ok, I would not think
> that the problem was bacterial or viral.
Whoa - careful, here - poop color doesn't mean much in ferrets, except as a fairly non-specific indicator of how fast the poop is going through the gi tract - too fast - it's green. About right - it's brown.
> <Snip> the vet ruled out a full blockage but said it
> > could be a partial which would probably work it's
> > way out.
It may, and it may not. I do like the possibility of a foreign body here, but many stay in the gut for weeks or longer. It may be in the stomach, but more likely is in the intestine.
My suggestion - go in sooner rather than later. If an exploratory doesn't find one, then it will still yield biopsies for a pathology exam which will likely identify the cause of the problem.
> I would insist that the vet try to remove the object
> surgically, as soon as humanly possible.
Can't argue with this....
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM