Hi all,
 
I've been catching up on posts to the FML and have seen some references to
ECE, including the case of "Sabrina".  Let me start by saying that I'm not
saying that Sabrina or others don't have ECE and this post isn't directed
towards Sabrina.  This has come up dozens of times in conversation from
callers/emailers to the shelter, and I wanted to state it here for some
ferret owners that may be newer to ECE and ferret ownership.
 
Not all green diahrrea is ECE.  Not all tough-to-cure illnesses are ECE.
And most importantly, not all vets are correct when they diagnose ECE.
 
One of our shelter vets -- a very respected ferret vet who frankly is an
absolutely wonderful vet, diagnoses ECE way too lightly.  It even caused a
major problem within our organization because this vet diagnosed one of our
vounteers with ECE and her ferrets had been around my ferrets, and others'
ferrets recently prior to the diagnosis.  However... it was not ECE.
Frankly, I always knew it wasn't, it was just a tough tummyache, but our
volunteer was being responsible and took her ferret to the vet to find out
what was wrong and how to treat it.  Literally, the vet asked for symptoms,
took a peek, and then said "It's ECE." Huh??
 
There is no test for ECE.  It *is* diagnosed by symptoms, but it should be
done by *ruling out* everything else it could be.  Our volunteer's answer
to what symptoms there were was lethargy, pawing at the mouth, green runny
poop, and dehydration.  This all came shortly after she'd added a new
ferret to her group.  These symptoms are those of a dozen maladies.
 
Okay.  It could have been ECE and you can't be too careful.  But as many
shelter operators will tell you, nine times out of ten, when a new ferret
is brought into the shelter, even after quarantine, at least a couple of
the other ferrets in the group will end up with these symptoms.  We call
this "shelter shock" but it's not an accurate term as it can happen with
ANY situation where there are existing ferrets and a new one comes to the
group, not just in shelters.  There are a few reasons this can happen;
first, it's unsettling and/or exciting for a new ferret to come to the
group.  There can be anxiety.  There are new germs introduced even if
they're not "bad" germs.  It just happens.  It's not always ECE and
frankly, in my opinion, it usually is *not*.
 
Furthermore, even if you haven't added a new ferret, ECE-like symptoms can
develop for a number of reasons.  If you've been anywhere at all that isn't
home with your ferret, the same thing can happen.  If you take your ferret
to a show, a vet, the pet store, to the park, to your mom's house... it can
happen.  If they eat something they shouldn't have, they can have ECE like
symptoms.  Even if they have bad teeth, they can have ECE like symptoms.
Their little systems can be upset easily (even if the ferret seems to be
having fun when it goes).
 
A cold or flu can give your ferret ECE like symptoms.  Green diahrrea is
nothing more than digestive troubles!!  Green poop is *common* in ferrets.
Please don't diagnose ECE on this alone.  At the first signs of illness,
you should always start on supportive care.  Make sure the ferret stays
hydrated.  Make sure the ferret is eating *every day* and give A/D, duck
soup, crap cat food, whatever it takes to keep your ferret eating every
day.  Sometimes I've sustained a ferret on Kay Tee treats alone-- not
recommended, but any food is better than no food.  NutriCal is great (but
make sure your ferret isn't insulinomic).  This is the key to keeping your
ferret strong enough to kick whatever he or she is battling.
 
I can provide more info separately if you'd like to email me, I know I'm
pressed for space.  I want to say two other things here... first, I'm NOT
in any way belittling ECE and if your ferret is exhibiting signs that
*could* be ECE, please *don't* expose other ferrets to your ferret until
the threat is gone, don't go to shows, don't let new ferrets to your home.
ECE is a horrible thing.  But, the second thing I wanted to say is that we
are diminishing the seriousness of ECE because far too many people who have
a sick ferret claim, believe, or are told that it is ECE and then panic
ensues and an epidemic that may not exist is believed to exist.
 
For those who have truly had ECE it is a horrendous, heart-wrenching battle
to deal with and my heart goes out to anyone who's had to deal with it.
But the moral of this story is that you need to take precautions, make sure
your ferret, no matter what the illness, is given supportive care, but just
because someone "with authority" has told you that you have ECE does not
mean you do.  Until there is a test for ECE we can never be sure.
 
Just my thoughts and views... I pray for the health and well-being of
everyone's ferrets and my heart goes out to all who have recently lost
their beloved little ones, and to Mary Senwald who recently lost her
husband.  My prayers are with you.
 
Kymberlie Barone
Director,
Pennsylvania Ferret Rescue Association
Montgomery County Branch
http://www.ferretrescue.com
Looking for a ferret club in Pennsylvania?
Ask me about the Pennsylvania F.E.R.R.E.T. Club and other ferret clubs in
the state!
[Posted in FML issue 2643]