From:
"Jessica"
Date: 2008-12-31 20:33:39 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] ferret with diarrhea
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I recently noticed that one of my ferrets had very mucousy poop. At
first I thought it was just one bad poop, but it continued for the
rest of the day and then I realized he hadn't eaten anything that day
either. I started syringe-feeding him and (as long as he had food in
his belly) his poops became a little more solid and he started
nibbling on his regular food (only tiny bits though and I continued
to syringe feed him). It's been two days and, even when he does have
food in his belly, now all of his poops are very loose (watery with a
bit of mucousy stuff). Two of my other ferrets are also starting to
show the same exact symptoms. They won't eat on their own, they're
weak, and they have watery/mucousy poops. Other than that, they seem
fine - they aren't pawing at their mouth, grinding teeth or doing
anything that makes me think they're in pain, they are still
drinking, they're even running around and want to play (not as much
as normal though, I would assume that's because they're weak from not
eating).
I've been trying to get a hold of my vet since yesterday afternoon,
even tried calling her cell phone a few times, but I haven't been
able to get a hold of her. I called another vet in the area, but
they "aren't accepting new clients at the moment" (how nice of them
to be so willing to help *rolls eyes*). Anyway, is there anything
more I can do for them until I can get them to a vet? Can I give them
some Pet Pectillin for the diarrhea? (I had originally thought about
giving them Pepto Bismol, then decided not to after reading a few
posts on the FHL archive; someone mentioned this Pet Pectillin
instead.) Should I try this along with the syringe feeding to help
them and, if so, how much should I give them?
Do you have any ideas as to what could be causing this? I haven't
changed their diet, but I did recently get three new ferrets (they
were checked by my vet and nothing was found to be wrong; they seem
to be fine to me now and have lovely looking poop). I thought maybe
it could be caused by stress from the new ferrets - they were getting
play time together, but I stopped that for the time being and they're
also housed separately. The only other thing I could think of is, I
gave my ferrets water play a few days ago (the day before my first
ferret got sick). The water we get is full of chlorine (and who knows
what else) and I didn't even think about using the water from the
filter for their play time. They were "fishing" out toys from the tub
I had filled with water. I'm not sure if it's just a coincidence, but
the three that are sick are the only three that did the "fishing." Do
you think this might have given them a tummy ache or even something
worst?
I'd really appreciate any help anyone on here can give me. I'm mostly
curious about the Pet Pectillin at the moment - if you think it might
help, I'd like to get to a pet shop asap to pick some up before they
close tonight. Thanks again.
~Jessica
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