Peter and Mork,
>7 month old ferret with poor appetite, anemic, weight loss
There are several diseases that could cause these symptoms.
1)Proliferative colitis which is a bacterial infection of the GI tract caused
by Campylobacter and treated with chloramphenicol. This disease can also
cause rectal prolapse.
2)GI ulcers- although these usually occur after 4 yrs. they can occur in
younger ferrets.  As this disease progresses it can lead to loose, tarry
stools.  There is a test in which we can test stool for occult blood (which
will pick up blood in the stool before we can see it grossly.
3)Partial foreign body.  If Mork swallowed something which is causing a
partial obstruction of the GI tract, this can cause mild to moderate
abdominal pain, weight loss, poor appetite and possibly anemia.  Sometimes we
are able to diagnose this on palpation oof the abdomen and/or an x ray.
 Other times we have to consider a barium series.
 
Insulinoma does not usually present this way.  Usually with insulinoma we see
collapsing episodes or seziures with a low blood glucose level.
 
Good luck.
Dr Weiss
c [log in to unmask]
301-299-4142
[Posted in FML issue 1072]