To Brian,
 
Actually vomitting on the first day of an ECE outbreak is 'normal' it is
just that it often goes un-noticed.  It does little good to give them mush
and things on the first day because they only throw it back up, their little
tummies are just too torn up the first day.  The second day is usually when
you see the green stools, and then you can start some hand-feeding to get
them back on their feet.  Switch to Natural Fruit Flavor Pedialyte in the
water bottles to help replace electrolytes and entice them to drink more,
they need it.
 
Email me directly if you need help or recipes or anything further to help
with ECE, I have been through it ALL.
 
Also, very important:  If they are vomitting AFTER the first day, then you
could have something other than ECE.  Best to get them checked out by a
competent vet, email me if this is the case, I would like to know.  Thanks.
 
To Lynn,
 
Regarding the ferret who 'needs rescuing'.....
Well, it is hard to rescue a ferret from a pet store, because for one, you
only encourage them to bring in more if you 'purchase' them.  So we are not
really gaining anything, as others will certainly be put in the same bad
conditions and neglected too.  I wish I had an answer for you.
 
Secondly, as I am sure is true for you too, the money is the biggest
obstacle.  Shelters are all pretty much in the same boat.  We can hardly
afford to put out money to 'buy' a ferret (even if he/she does need
rescuing) when we have kids here needing expensive medical care and
surgeries.  My vet bill by the end of this month will be at $1,000
outstanding.  If I had the money to help this kid, I would, but I simply do
not.  If you can find a way to raise the cash, I would gladly take him in.
Wish I could be more helpful.
 
Sadly, this kind of neglect in pet stores goes on every single day in almost
every city.  There are ferrets locally in pet stores I would love to help
too, but the funds are simply not there, and the stores would only bring in
more, and more, and more.  The cycle never ends.  We have to focus on
tactfully educating the stores and 'befriending' them in order to truly
'help'.  Clubs are great for this.  Our club is trying to establish good
relationships with stores and putting out brochures there for their ferret
customers so the club can at least have a shot at educating the owners, and
hopefully, the stores will begin to listen to our advice on proper housing
and care of ferrets in the stores.
 
I am sad that I cannot offer more help to you and the fuzzy you seek to help
than this.
 
To everyone,
I meant to write more, but just can't seem to do it at this moment, perhaps
tomorrow.  My body and mind are screaming for sleep, this has been a tough
week (but still better than last week), but I must rest now, the fuzzies
here are depending on me you know.  So bye for now.
 
Trish
Director, Ferrets First Rescue & Shelter
[Posted in FML issue 1656]