From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2003-06-01 19:38:03 UTC
Subject: RE: ECE re-infection / strain resistance
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <8090073.1054496283083.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
I sent this to you privately, but Yahoo bounced it:
> I have Max II (female 8 months) who was a carrier of ECE when >I bought her in Nov 2002 (un-known to me).
So, since the time for active virus being shed is at least 8 months that means that active shedding could have been happening through JUly 2003 or even later (other places say at least 6 months and I do know of one household where live viral shedding seemed to be happening for almost a year so you can see why all the notes say "at least").
> She infected Sam I (female 5 years) and she died on 13 Jan >2003.
I'm sorry.
> MF replaced Sam I . I picked her (Sam II)(female 8 weeks) up >27 May 2003.
Your household still likely had active shedding of live ECE virus at that time.
>But why does Max II have it if she is the original carrier.
Sometimes, especially in a kit, the infection will stay low grade and then will flare later for some reason, including stress. In fact, stress alone can make an ECE damaged intestine act ill -- even when illness is past. If there is a high stress load when the illness is present it can flare.
Also, remember that not all shared GI tract illnesses are ECE. Some strain of coccidia are hard to find and are dangerous contagious illnesses. One of these times of infection may not have been ECE.
> Why did Max II develope ECE 3 days after Sam II was introduced >to Max II. ...
> Did Sam II infect Max II with a new strain? Is that why they >both have it? Apparently ECE can mutate
Any virus can mutate, of course. May that have happened? Perhaps, but that may not be the most likely scenario.
>Only a vacine will work.
Hence the work of Dr. Matti Kiupel with all the attached hopes for the future
> Also, Max II has turnned against MF FerretLax the same way the >first SamI did in 2002.
If they have the runs why are you giving laxative?
>Is there something wrong with the product and could it be >contaminated?
They could just not like it anymore, too.
> What are my chances of both surviving this time?
With ECE the survival rate is actually high and you will find care info at Dr. William's website. Hydration is essential. With some strains of coccidia if they are not treated there can be explosive blooms and those situations can be fatal.
We've had both and some other things here as have many FHL readers so if you have specific care questions this is a great place to help you for those as well
What has your vet done for them to date?