>From: Staudt <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Update on Meep In reference to a request about heliobacter, it is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of both ferrets and man. It has been implicated in dramatically increasing the likelyhood of stomach ulcers and other complications. I believe it also increases the amount of stomach acid produced, which can lead to reflux esophagitis, which is when the acid is forced upwards into the esophagus, creating a burning sensation. The attempts at vomitting could be a result of excess stomach acid. The vet's use of antibiotics would remove the heliobacter organism (hopefully) and alleviate these symptoms. I know zantac is often perscribed in both animals and man for these problems, zantac is an over the counter drug which blocks stomach acid production, but doesn't reduce the existing acid. This lowers the acidity of the stomach and helps prevent the acid reflux or heartburn. That's about all i know. I am neither a doctor nor vet, just FYI. -Rob -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Robert Dejournett [log in to unmask] Graduate Student Graduate School of Biomedical Science University of Texas Houston [Posted in FML issue 2543]