Hello I really need some help concerning diagnosis and treatment of a gastrointestinal disorder. *Stats* Patient: 7yrs. 9mos. old, male ferret Disorder began: approxmately 4 weeks ago Symptoms: began with semi-formed stools of normal color and some prolapsing with no other symptoms (appetite/activity level good); has progressed to completely watery, bird-seedy, mucousy stools, complete loss of appetite, and noticible weight loss (all symptoms have become severe within the last two days). A veterinary exam two weeks ago indicated thickening of the intestines. Current diagnosis and treatment: After a physical exam by a ferret-knowledgable veterinarian (no blood work or radiology), the ferret was diagnosed as having proliferative bowel disease and placed on a 14 day course of chloramphenicol. We are now at the end of that 14 day treatment, and the condition has worsened rather than improving. I am currently feeding the ferret "duck soup" and monitoring him for dehydration. I have the supplies to administer SQ fluids if needed. Problem: The vet indicated that the next course of action would be exploratory surgery (isoflurane anesthesia only) including a bowel biopsy to get a better diagnosis. Question- does this sound like a good diagnostic route given the ferret's advanced age (7yrs. 9mos.)? Question- can you suggest other routes of diagnosis and/or treatment? Any and all assistance would be extremely welcome. Thank you, Gina Hart/Sage Ferrets [Posted in FML issue 2377]