FERRET-SEARCH@LISTSERV.FERRETMAILINGLIST.ORG
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Date: | Sun, 31 Dec 2000 11:41:36 -0500 |
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Dr. Williams wrote:
>ATTENTION FML - ATTENTION PLEASE! I've heard this one over and over -
>that ECE stools have a bad smell. THIS IS NOT TRUE.
Thank you so much for saying this, Dr. Williams. I have two with ECE now
and have NEVER noticed a bad smell. A number of other ferrets owners (some
very well respected) have told me that it isn't ECE if it doesn't smell
bad. The ECE was diagnosed after eliminating other things through x-rays,
bloodwork, and fecal tests, AND a consultation with a vet at the Univ. of
Fla. vet school. People STILL told me it couldn't possibly be ECE because
it doesn't smell. I think this could be dangerous, as you stated, because
the ferret won't be properly treated. Mine were actually exposed to two
newcomers for nearly 3 weeks before ECE symptoms appeared, well out of the
7-10 day "normal" range. Of course, I listened to my vet and we proceeded
with ECE "treatment".
I would suspect that those whose feces smell strongly have some other
problem, such as parasites. Now, THAT smells! I can diagnose parasites
in my wildlife babies by smell alone. It is then confirmed by a fecal and
medications are prescribed. Antibiotics that are prescribed along with
ECE, for possible secondary infections, would also "cure" the parasites,
more than likely.
Katharine
[Posted in FML issue 3284]
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