From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2003-10-12 01:54:58 UTC
Subject: RE: ECE Recovery Advice
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4865531.1065923698517.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
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> Our Vet diagnosed their condition as:
> 1. Virus of the immune system
> 2. Symptoms of Corona virus =96 ECE
> 3. Clostridia bacteria
> 4. He took a bacteria culture which came back today and showed indication=
s of a Proteus Mirabilis bacteria
> 5. He believes Savannah to be the carrier of the virus
I would take issue on the diagnosis of Clostridium if the examination of a =
fecal smaple was how it was made - there are many robust bacilli that look =
like Clostridia in ferret feces and this is not the way to diagnose this ra=
re condition. Also, Proteus mirabilis is not significant in a fecal cultur=
e.
I also don't see evidence for a "virus of the immune system". The outbreak=
is very consistent with ECE, though.
> He prescribed the following:
> 1. During their stay, he administered sub-cu fluids to the 3
> 2. Metronidozale and Amoxicillin for all 4 (twice daily for 7 days)
> 3. Recommended Pepto for the 3 with diarrhea (three times a day)
> 4. Scrub all litter boxes and food dishes
> 5. Keep Savannah separated for the next 3 months.
> 6. Do not let the others share Savanna=92s litter boxes or food dishes
> 7. Always thoroughly wash hands after handling.
Pepto is a poor choice for diarrhea. In cases of ECE, we do much better by=
adjusting the diet to an easily digestible food and get prepared for 3-4 w=
eeks (or longer) of bad stools. I see no reason to be giving Flagyl in thi=
s case.
There is no need to quarantine Savannah - ECE is such an contagious virus, =
the other animals have already been exposed. In fact, you are a possible s=
ource of exposure to other naive ferrets, so you have to watch your interac=
tion with any other ferrets.
> 1. By keeping Savannah are we increasing the risk to the other three? =
No, they are already exposed.
> 2. Since all are now exposed, should Savannah be strictly quarantined in =
a closed off room or is a separate cage sufficient?
If everyone is showing sign, there is no reason to separate her at all. =
> 3. Assuming a strict quarantine is not necessary=85 Once the three are we=
ll enough to get out-and-about, should they be allowed to play in the same =
room that Savannah has played in?
Sure - they're already infected.
> 4. Once we are past this illness (God willing), is it foolish to attempt =
introducing a kit to our seniors?
The biggest risk with a pet store kit these days is ECE - you already have =
the infection in the house.
> 5. The Metronidozale REALLY stresses them out (gagging, etc.). Could it =
be doing more harm than good?
In the case of ECE, I think yes, you probably should discontinue it. The =
older ferrets are at risk for the development of ulcers from the stress, wh=
ich would significantly worsen their prospects for a quick recovery.
> 6. We did have a weeklong trip planned for next week (the ferrets always =
travel with us). That has now been rescheduled for the week of 10/20. Is =
it unrealistic to think that they may be well enough to travel (by car) by =
then?
I think that a trip is proably a bit precipitous - too much stress involved=
. =
> 7. Is there anything we are missing that might help to ensure the recover=
y of our babies?
What exactly are you feeding - are you continuing to try to feed kibble - i=
n ECE cases we generally go baby food only, and slowly reintroduce kibble. =
Pedialyt is generally not necessary by now, if they are eating the baby fo=
od well.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
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