I have two ferrets.  One of them, Rascal, a 3-year-old male, started having
bloody diarrhea 12/19.  I immediately took him to the emergency vet, who
is not ferret knowledgeable.  He stated the probable cause was a lower
intestinal infection and gave him an injection containing two antibiotics
and an antiinflammatory.  There is nobody at the hospital overnight, so I
brought him home with me, to return early tomorrow for another injection
of antibiotics and to meet with their vet who usually sees ferrets.
 
I am questioning this diagnosis as Rascal had his vaccinations on 12/16 -
5-way Distemper by Vanguard and Imrab3.  This is his first Imrab shot.
Rascal also has had ECE with resulting ulcers.  The vet stated that the
bright blood would not be ulcers as they are located higher in the
digestive tract.  Has anyone ever heard of a similar reaction occurring
this late after the shots?  Has anyone ever had a ferret with quick onset
bloody diarrhea that was diagnosed as a bacterial infection?  I am quite
concerned, and time is of the essence - the diarrhea has slowed down, but
not stopped.  Please respond directly to [log in to unmask]  I will be
checking for any replies as soon as I return from the vet in the event I
need to find another vet quickly.  Thank you.
 
Tracy Hendrix
[Posted in FML issue 2903]