On reading the FML I noticed some concerns from Nathan on ferret stools.  I
guess it's time for a refresher course on ferret stools..  Before I start
please note that I AM NOT A VET, BUT A SHELTER MOM who occasionally serves
as a vet tech.... If you have questions please see your vet.  Thanks ......
and on to FERRET STOOLS
 
The concern seems to be on seedy stools.  Let's for a minute remember that
the ferrets digestive tract is SHORT-- really short in comparison to other
animals ( humans included).  They do not digest things like plant proteins,
fruit and veggies well.  Variation in diet will cause seedy stools.  Change
in climate will effect the stools ( the body is adjusting to maintain under
new conditions).  STRESS will contribute to seedy stools.  Also the mucous
whether green, yellow, white is indicative of a stress reaction.
 
The other factor is that there is a normal cleansing process of the
intestinal tract (the sporadic dark green which goes as quickly as it
comes).
 
Under no circumstances am I suggesting that if you have a question you
should not take the ferret to a vet, please do.  I am just trying to help
ferret owners understand that there are some basic explanations on stools--
that any change should NOT warrant panic or an alert.
 
If your ferret eats an uncommon food source you may notice the stools are
"funny".  This is a normal reaction.
 
"Pooperology" - if I may borrow the phrase form a dear friend is a skilled
techniques that I feel any ferret owner should master.  You can keep in
touch with the health and general well being of your ferret this way.
 
We scoop the boxes twice daily here giving us more chance to catch a symptom
early!!!
 
If stools are constricted in size and somewhat dry-- use some hairball
remover you've got a potential blockage building somewhere in the tract....
 
If your ferret has been consuming playthings you will notice speckles of
color in the stools.  It is AMAZING what you will learn about your ferret.
Color is great!!  Depending on the food source the color will differentiate.
If you treat with a puppy biscuit or low grade cat food you will see color
change (yellow, red, etc).
 
A great way to keep on top of your ferrets health and well being is to pay
attention to the stools.  I know it sounds awful, but think of it this way
if this were your child you would see a potential problem in diapering it --
it is the same here.
 
Remember they ferrets body has some natural functions the shedding of
bacteria from the gut is one... that explains the dark greenish stuff which
comes and goes... let's not confuse that with ece---- please.
 
ECE is enough of a problem we should not add to the dilemma.
 
Your vet should be knowledgeable about stool analysis-- or check with your
local shelter Moms... the knowledge they hold regarding stools will amaze
you!!!
 
Happy ferreting-- congratulations on your degree in "pooperology!"
[Posted in FML issue 1599]