>Stool was normal first day, but now loose.
>is a bath o.k.?
 
There are several things that can cause loose stools in a new ferret.
1) The stress of traveling and an change in her enviorment.  When this is the
case the stool should slowly look more firm each day (back to normal in a
week or so) and her appetite and energy level should be normal.  Sometimes
stress diarrhea can go into bacterial or parasite overgrowths in the
intestional tract.
2) Change of diet can cause diarrhea.  If you don't know what food she was on
before science diet is a good well balanced diet you could keep her on.
3)Bacterial infections can cause diarrhea.  When this is the cause usually
their appetite will start to drop off and you see lethargy.
4)Parasites can cause diarrhea.  There are many, the most common are coccida
and giardia.  The can be detected by microscopic examination of the stool.
5) Green diarrhea.  This is thought to be caused by a virus and can be life
threating without proper treatment (supportive care-fluids and antibiotics).
 This is most common in ferrets exposed to a large number of ferrets such as
at shows and exhibits.
As you can see there are many potential causes of diarrhea if ferrets.  We
usually start by giving them a bland diet and a fecal analysis.  Since she is
new to you it may be best to bring her in to your vet to make sure she is in
tip top shape.
I'm sorry but there's not one simple answer since there can be many causes
but if it does persist I recommend a trip to yoour vet (bring a fresh stool
sample if posible).
 
It would be o.k. to give her a sponge bath if she is soiled.
If you have other questions call or E mail me.
Dr. Weiss
c [log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 1049]