To Deborah and Mike concerning Charlie:
 
        What a terrible time for Charlie.  Diarrhea in ferrets can certainly be
caused by ulcers in ferrets.  Gastric ulcers are primarily caused by stress,
which Charlie seems to have had in abundance the last few weeks (broken leg, new
co-habitant).  Helicobacter mustelae is a common finding in ferret stomachs, and
although it has been seen with ulcers, a definite cause/effect relationship has
still not been proven.  Usually, ferrets with ulcers will pass dark tarry stools
from the presence of blood.
 
        There are many other causes of diarrhea in the ferret that should be
considered.  With a new arrival in the house, I wouldn't totally discont the
Greee Diarrhea Virus, which is a self-limiting disease of primarily older
ferrets which most often responds nicely to antibiotics and good hydration.  I
would also check the plated leg for the presence of an infection.  The best bet
is to take Charlie back in, get him on some antibiotics, and make sure he takes
in plenty of fluids.  The electrolytes will stabilize once the hydration status
and appetite returns.
 
        Endoscopy is probably not warranted in Charlie, as many cases of gastric
ulcers result in such tiny pinpoint ulcers that the exam may be falsely
negative.  But it's good that your vet knows about Helicobacter; there are so
many who still don't.  It looks like your vet is keeping up with the literature.
 
       Bruce Williams, DVM                 Department of Veterinary Pathology
       [log in to unmask]         Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
       (202) 576-2453/2454                 Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
Best of luck with Charlie...
 
[Posted in FML issue 0923]