In Digest 35: 2 posts by Karen Purcell DVM on coccidiosis and another on the typical cause of black and tarry stools: Subject: Re: Coccidiosis (was Poop chart) >>How should one know the difference between black tarry feces due to >>blood digestion and and the similarly appearing feces due to >>coccidiosis? Coccidiosis causes pretty straight forward diarrhea, I have not seen black tarry stools with a case diagnosed solely with coccidiosis, and never in a ferret. I'd worry about gastric ulcers. >Is coccidiosis prevelant in ferrets? I know it can be a concern in >young kittens and puppies and in immunocompromised adult cats and >dogs. It can be a nightmare in birds, but I wasn't aware that it was >common in ferts. Is it the same as the dog/cat scenario, kits with no >exposure picking it up from a mother who's shedding it or the >immunocompromised fert picking it up from a healthy cagemate who's >shedding it? Or does it hit strong, healthy adults? Coccidiosis is generally spread due to poor sanitation at the breeder/distributer/household. It is picked up from the environment, and is generally more common in young or health compromised animals. >Can one of the vets tell us how often you are seeing it? Frequently in dogs and cats, seldom (maybe once or twice a year) in ferrets, and those had been outdoors. Hope this helps, -Dr. Karen DISCLAIMER: This e-mail is provided for general informational purposes only. It is in no way intended as a replacement for a consultation with a qualified licensed veterinarian. If you are concerned about your pet's health, you should seek the advice of your regular veterinarian as soon as possible. __________________________________________ >Can you (anybody) find out why black tarry feces is most always a >precourser to ferret death? Sorry for the mix up, I already responded to your first two questions. Actually, I need to know what you want answered here - do ferrets with black tarry stool always die (from it/from the cause of it) - my answer is No OR Do all ferrets that die have black tarry stool at the end - but again, my answer is NO. The only cases of death with black tarry stools (where I was able to necropsy) had gastric ulcers, or were under treatment for gastric ulcers. Hope this helps, -Dr. Karen DISCLAIMER: This e-mail is provided for general informational purposes only. It is in no way intended as a replacement for a consultation with a qualified licensed veterinarian. If you are concerned about your pet's health, you should seek the advice of your regular veterinarian as soon as possible. [Posted in FML issue 3349]