Jill and Baby, >bought a new ferret from a pet store who had loose stools and passed away within 2 wks. >now Baby has bloody diarrhea and is lethargic and dehydrated I'm so sorry to hear about your tramatic experience! It is very likely that baby caught whatever Ulysses had. Although this is serious with prompt treatment I believe Baby can be saved. It sounds like your vet is doing a good job to save Baby. There are several diseases that could cause these symptoms including:viral (green diarrhea,or other virus),bacterial (campylobacter) or parasitic (giardia,coccidia). Microscopic examination of the stool can help rule out parasites. In all of these cases of diarrhea (no matter what the cause) supportive care with fluids and electrolytes , antibiotics and warmth is the most important part of the treatment to keep the patient hydrated and nurished. In the case of parasites additional medications are needed to treat the underlying cause. To care for the other ferrets that are not sick I would recommend the following: 1)Closely monitor their appetites. At the first sign of loss of appetite call your vet. 2)Check if they are dehydrated by lifting up a pinch of their skin over the shoulder blades(if it snaps right back into place they are o.k.). Your vet can show you how to do this. 3)At the first sign of lethargy (they look tired or lazy) or diarrhea call your vet. 4) Its ok to continue the Pediolyte. I hope all goes well Dr. Weiss 301-299-4142 [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1105]