Caryl, There are excellent resources on IBD to be found at the Ferret Health list. [log in to unmask] [Moderator's note: No -- the address above is the FML. The Ferret Health list is [log in to unmask] or, better yet, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list for info about it. BIG] In the files section, Dr. Mark Burgess has a really good article on IBD, that I would suggest that you share with your local vet. Here are the links. Page 1: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list/ files/IBD%20article%20page%201.jpg Page 2: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list/ files/IBD%20article%20Page%202.jpg IBD can be a very sinister disease and one that is often just brushed off as just being diarrhea. It has many systemic effects and can damage the liver, kidneys, immune system or can lead to megaesophagus or lympho if not treated aggressively. Try a bland diet, such as Gerber's baby food. Some feel IBD is an allergic reaction to a protein in their food, such as chicken. You can try lamb, veal, turkey and beef baby food. The alternative is to try a kibble with a novel protein such as rabbit or duck, or an amino acid-based food like Science Diet Z/D. Do everything you can, make sure you keep him hydrated by offering Pedialyte, or if he becomes severely dehydrated, then have your vet show you how to give sub-q fluid using lactated ringers. Sometimes, no matter what you do, you may not be able to get it under control. I did everything I could for my BJ, spent close to $1,300 on vet care, and lost him in December anyway. You can read about my experience from last year at the FHL, in the archives, just type in IBD. There are also posts from people that were able to successfully treat it, so there is definitely hope. Don't give up on trying. At least if it doesn't work out, then you can take comfort in knowing that you did all that you could for your fuzzy. Sorry to be a bit of a downer, I still miss my little guy and it still hurts to think of everything we went through. :-( Good luck to you.... Ferret hugs, Dee in NJ [Posted in FML issue 3721]