From:
"Sara Hamilton"
Date: 2005-04-01 00:15:55 UTC
Subject: Ulcers
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <20050331.161602.28529.150601@webmail11.lax.untd.com>
It is my understand that stress is the major cause of ulcers. It could be caused by the fact that they are getting older, getting arthritic, are upset by a recent cagemate's death or illness, their playtime has decreased, new environment, etc. It's really a terrible thing for you and the ferret to go through. They don't want to eat because it is very painful for them to do so and so you must hand feed them a bland diet (duck soup or Chicken baby food). It takes a lot of time and patience to heal the ulcers. The good thing is that it is curable, but you must move quickly. There are various medications that you vet can prescribe to treat the ulcers: Carafate will coat the stomach and make eating much less painful, Pepto which will protect the stomach, and Amoxicillin or Clavamox to combat any infection (like Helicobacter). Good luck!
Sara Hamilton
"Home of the 2003 AFA Ferret of the Year-JBF's Isabella of LW"