Just wanted to let you know my experience with smelly poop. My ferret,
Slinky, was diagnosed with C Diff (Clostridium difficile) in Nov 2008.
I have 3 other ferrets who haven't had C Diff, so it doesn't seem to be
contagious.

Slinky had extremely smelly poop- even when it wasn't diarrhea. It's a
very distinct odor, smells coppery or like blood, and it is very hard
to get rid of b/c the antibiotics used to treat it can also cause C.
Diff. The vet prescribed amoxy drops, then clavanox, and finally Flagyl
along with Forta Flora. We would get rid of the diarrhea and within a
month or less, the C Diff would be back. Slinky also takes prednisolone
but for allergies. It looks like we are starting to get it under
control a little better- after over a year.

The Forta Flora plus Flagyl seemed to work the best for Slinky. I still
give him a little Forta Flora with his morning pred. DON'T overdo it
with the Forta Flora. Good bacteria is still bacteria, and too much of
the good bacteria can also cause diarrhea. And I'm sure you're also
ready doing this, but be sure to keep his cage, bowels, blankies, etc
clean. Slinky also gets a little unflavored Pedialyte in the morning
to replace any electrolytes- very important when they have diarrhea.

I have used Pepto, but only for a short period. Slinky's diarrhea
normally comes back over the weekend or at night when the vet is closed
(of course). I have also given it to him when his poop starts to look
loose and that seems to head off the diarrhea- sometimes. I'm not sure,
but I don't think it's good for long term use and don't give it to him
for more than 2 or 3 days.

Good luck!

Tara L. Elmore
Slinky, Bandit, Chee Choo, and Gracie Mae

[Posted in FML 6757]