Let me start by explaining that I have only been on the FML for a week, so I
apologize in advance if I am posting something that is 'old news'.
 
Greg wrote that his ferret is not eating, and 'chews' after being force fed.
Could this chewing be grinding of the teeth.  According to my vet, this is
frequently a symptom of ulcers.
 
My first experience with ulcers in ferrets was about 6 years ago.  I had an
11 week old kit that suddenly stopped eating and refused treats.  At the
time, we took our ferrets to a local vet who admitted theat she had a
limited knowledge of ferrets.  She xrayed MC and found no blockage, but said
she expected an upper GI problem, and suggested exploritory surgery.  I
agreed, and she found bleeding ulcers.  For the next year and a half, MC
lived on prednisone, and required 2 more surgeries to repair additional
ulceration.  Finally I got the name of a ferret specialist.  He was 30 miles
away, which is far when you live in a heavily populated area, but I decided
to give it a try.  He told us that although the research results were not
completely in, he believed ulcers were caused by a bacteria, and felt the
proper treatment was antibiotics.  He wanted to do surgery to confirm that
ulcers were really the problem, and do some blood work, but he thought he
could cure MC's problem.  So, we went ahead.  After the surgery, MC was on
Amoxy and another antibiotic for a month.  After that, no more ulcer
problems.
 
Now, all our ferrets go to the specialist, for everything.  Driving an hour
each way is a small price for piece of mind that your kids are getting the
best possible care.
 
We also have noticed grinding with our oldest ferret.  She survived ECE last
fall, and since that time, has occasional relapses.  During these times she
grinds, and doesn't want to eat.  We give her Pepto Bismol for 2 or 3 days,
and she snaps back.  Other ferret owners have told me that this is not
uncommon in older ferrets that have had ECE.
 
As a disclaimer, I am not a medical expert, and do not mean this advice to
be taken as such.  I am only a ferret lover who is passing on one of my
experiences, hoping someone can benefit from it.
 
Dooks to everyone.
Danee DeVore
 
[Moderator's note: Only subscribed for a week?  We'd never know - good post!
Welcome aboard.   BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 1628]