Hi everyone,
 
I picked up my ferrets yesterday from someone who was watching them, and
they don't look well.  They were only gone for 4 days, but they both lost a
lot of weight, they have very watery stools (some of it green), and no
energy.  Lucy was also very thirsty when she got home.  I think they were
so stressed out they didn't eat?
 
I am planning on feeding them Duck Soup today and taking them to the vet
tomorrow morning.  Is there anything else I should be doing?  Does this mean
that I just can't leave them with anyone because they get too stressed out?
 
I really appreciate any input you can give.
 
Thanks,
 
Erika and the 2 sick fuzzies, Lucy and Camille
 
Hello Erika, Lucy and Camille:
 
Does your babysitter have ferrets?
 
I am not a vet and am still learning about illnesses, etc., but there is a
possibility your babies may have ECE.  I stress possibility.  Because I am
not able to see their little poos, I cannot give you a definite answer.
 
My kids did have ECE in March.  That is when I brought home my youngest
child, Dante.  I am a panicy mother and am prone to checking litter boxes &
floors (when there is an accident).  About three or four days after Dante's
arrival I noticed a very green slimey pooh from one of my kids, courtesy of
a floor accident.  (I hope nobody's eating breakfast) My best description
of this is it appears as if someone threw up through their nose.
 
To make a long story short, I rushed them to the vet the next morning.
According to the Doc, I caught this rather early.  My children were not
dehydrated (ECE does cause dehydration and possibly loss of appetite), but
they did have the germs.  I was given amoxicillin and some other medication
which I was to give all of them two or three times a day until the
medication was gone.  I was told if this problem persisted, bring the kids
back in.
 
Just last week I took them in for a check up (to please my employeer who is
also my landlord and next door neighbor-with kids).  They were very healthy
and their fecal exam was clear.
 
What I recommend during this period is quarantine from other animals; wash
your hands after handling your children; throw out all bedding, toys, etc.
(you can wash these items, but I didn't want to take a chance) and disinfect
the area on a daily basis (if daily is possible for you).  If I remember
correctly, I used liquid lysol (whatever the people at infectious diseases
use) and rinsed the area real well.
 
Don't worry.  They'll heal.  Just follow what the Doc tells you.  I do
recommend that once the medicine is finish (every last drop), take your
kids in for another check-up.... if you can.
 
Best wishes-Lise
 
p.s. could someone advise me what is "Duck Soup"?
[Posted in FML issue 2316]