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Recently there was a post about treatment of Helicobacter and stomach
ulcers in ferrets.  The author made several suggestions for treatment of
ferrets based on treatment for humans and past experiences with pet or
rescued ferrets.  I would like to clear up some of the confusion from
that post and give the current recommendations for treatment of ferrets
with gastric ulcers and Helicobacter.
 
Ferrets have Helicobacter mustelae which is very similar to Helicobacter
pylori that humans have.  They are so similar that researchers actually
use ferrets as the animal model to study ulcers and new treatment options
for people.  Yet they are different.
 
Treatment of ulcers in ferrets begins with using Carafate about 10
minutes before feeding the ferret.  Carafate will need to be used several
times each day.  Carafate is called the ulcer "band aid" because it
covers the ulcer, and it prevents the pain and nausea that ferrets with
ulcers experience when they eat.  It does not stay in the ferret's
stomach long enough to be used once or twice a day like it is used in
people.
 
If the ferret is dehydrated, then fluid therapy is used to correct
the dehydration.  No ferret should die from dehydration when it can
be treated.  Fluids can be giving SQ in most cases.  Severe cases may
need IV fluids.  Fortunately most ferrets can be treated orally with
rehydration products such as Pediasorb or Ritrol, pedialyte, gatoraid,
or just plain water added to the bland food.  A bland, easy to digest
food is needed.  Gerber's baby food (2nd stage chicken or turkey),
Hill's a/d, or Bob's chicken gravy can be used, but the regular kibble
should be stopped for 30 days.  Warm water can be added to the baby food
or a/d to help with hydration.  Whipping cream is no substitute for baby
food or a/d or Bob's chicken gravy!
 
Antacids such as Tagamet, Pepcid, Prilosec, or Zantac can be used the
first few days to help control the pain and nausea also.  However they
are not recommend for long term use (4+ weeks) like they are in humans.
 
To treat the Helicobacter mustelae there are 2 different options.  The
"old option" is to use amoxicillin, flagyl and Pepto-bismol.  This goes
back to a study done back in 1990.  However this old protocol is no
longer recommended!
 
The "new option" is to use Biaxin (clarithromycin 25mg/kg, three times a
day), amoxicillin, and an antacid for atleast 2 weeks.  This study was
done back in 1997.  Some cases may need biaxin and amoxicillin for 3-4
weeks to clear the Helicobacter infection.  Biaxin comes in different
strengths.  One is 25mg/ml, and the other is 50mg/ml.  Thus one has to
know the weight of the animal, and which version of Biaxin (25mg/ml or
50mg/ml) to calculate how many mls to give the pet ferret.
 
For ferret owners please Dr Williams' article in Ferrets magazine
(March/April page 18-23).
 
For vets or doctors please read the second edition of Ferrets, Rabbits,
and Rodents page 33-38 or Dr Fox's book (2 edition p 327-335), or Dr
Fox's article in Seminars in Avain and Exotic Pet Medicine, Jan 2001.
 
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 4476]