Gina and Paleface,
>5 yrs old, grainy stools and constipated, very lethargic
 
I have seen many ferrets with similar symptoms.  When the treatment for
Helicobacter is not effective, the most common cause in my experience is a
partial GI obstruction.  This can be caused by somthing the ferret eats or a
hairball.  Diagnosis is made with a barium series.  In the ferret the barium
should be in the colon within 3 hours.  Other potential causes include
eosinophilic gastritis, proliferative bowel disease, lymhosarcoma.  If the
bloodwork and barium series are normal, you'll probably need an exploratory
to diagnose the problem.
 
Good luck.
Dr Weiss
301-299-4142
[Posted in FML issue 1415]