Vets - here is a path from MSU Lab on Festus who died about a week after
exploratory surgery (well before these results came back!) A little help
putting it in plain english?
 
"History: ferret has had chronic diarrhea with weight loss.
Diagnosis:  1.  Mild to moderate, lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic colitis
with mild suppurative vasculitis between the tunica muscularis interna and
externa; 2.  mild, lymphoplasmacytic duodenitis.
Slides:  1 examined
Prognosis:  See comments
Comments:  In the sections of colon, there are scattered lymphocytes, plasma
cells and eosinophils in the lamina propria.  Between the tunica muscularis
interna and externa, there is a mild infiltrate of neutrophils around the
vessles.  The cause of this vasculitis or the colitis could not be
determined on histopathology.  In the duodenum, there is a mild infiltrate
of lymphocytes and plasma cells with a few eosinophils in the lamina
propria.  There is an increase in the mitotic activity in the crypt
ephithelial cells, and the mucosal epithelium is slightly hyperplastic.
Special stains are negative for campylobacter-like organisms.  The changes
inthe intestine are minimal, and do not appear severe enought to explain the
clinical signs.  Furhter diagnostic testing, including rebiopsing the
intestines, is recommended if the clinical signs persist or progress.  "
 
The preceeding situation was: A 4 ferret home.  2 rescue ferrets were
brought in - healthy.  After they left some green mucosy poop was noticed -
thought to be Houdini.  This appeared to clear up after a few days.  More
mucosy poop was noticed - thought to be Festus.  Was narrowed down to
definetaly Festus when it didn't clear up.  Dramatic weight loss and
diarrhea followed by trip to vet.  No response to antibiotics followed by
increased and severe lethergy, not eating, continued diarrhea etc.  Going
downhill fast.  Exploratory surgery performed for samples - everything
looked more or less ok.  Festus lived for a week on forced feedings - never
recovered enough to move more than a little.  Diarrhea was urine like.  Yes
there was diarrhea but it didn't really look like ECE.  The rescue ferrets
never displayed any symptoms and remain health to this day.  Any ideas?
Miss Mary
[Posted in FML issue 1641]