Mike:
 
What you describe does not sound like ECE.  As your vet said, it seems like
you have a bacterial infection and/or a stress reaction.  There could even
be ulcers involved (which are a bacterial infection that can be brought on
by stress).  Your vet prescribed three antibiotics, which are proper in the
treatment of the symptoms that you described.
 
"Bird seed" poop can mean a lot of things.  It just means that the ferret
isn't digesting food very well.  ECE poop, especially at the beginning, is
bright neon-green and very liquidy.  ECE is also extremely contagious--your
other ferret would be exhibiting symptoms as well.
 
Do not stop giving the amoxycillin!  It may be killing what's wrong with the
ferret, or preventing a secondary infection.  Stopping the antibiotic could
foster the development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria.
 
The pepto bismol is NOT "getting in the way of digesting".  It's helping to
heal the irritation in his digestive tract, and decreasing the acid that
makes the irritation worse.  If you wish to discontinue the pepto because
it's hard to get the ferret to take it, ask your vet about switching to
another, less bad-tasting formula, like Kaopectate, Pepcid AC, or carafate.
 
Please, it really sounds like your vet is doing a good job.  Your job is to
provide supportive care for your ferret.  What tips the balance to quick
recovery and survival in these gastrointestinal cases is the care that the
owner gives, including giving all drugs as prescribed, frequent feedings,
and keeping the ferret well-hydrated.
 
-- Lee, one of the Massachusetts Ferret Friends
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[Posted in FML issue 2380]