Post antibiotic tummy care?

[jasperngeorgie]

Hello!
My dude had a mild Helicobacter infection that was causing some tummy issues. The vet put him in a 2 week antibiotic regime.
He seems to be doing well on them but I worry about his tummy when he comes off, she gave 3 different antibiotics 😕.

I’m wondering
1) how to use pumpkin to help him with loose stool (and occasionally seedy sections) through the antibiotic phase IF that’s appropriate. I’ve read a bit about it on here but I’m confused as to when it’s appropriate and how much/ how often it is appropriate. Do ferrets usually take pumpkin willingly or must you syringe feed?
And
2) what, if any probiotics or enzymes to offer him after the 2 weeks of meds to get his belly back in shape and how to determine the doses.

I’m waiting on a call back from my vet as well.

Thank you for any advice!

[abbeytheferret6]

I can give you info about probiotics as my vet gave me some for my boy, but I am away from the house right now. When I get home I will give you the name. She has the dose 1/2 or 1 capsule a day. I was going to do the 1/2 by opening the capsule. Because he leaves food behind, I was going to sprinkle it in meat only baby food like a tablespoon full or two. But he will not touch the baby food. So in an meat soupie will be another way to give it . This probiotic is for cats/ dogs. She said you can get it online as well. But I got some more at the vet  that I take my dog to. It was $8.00 for 4 capsules.

[abbeytheferret6]

called Proviable
She gave me 4 capsules.

[abbeytheferret6]

Do ferrets usually take pumpkin willingly or must you syringe feed? 

Read more: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/25244/post-antibiotic-tummy-care?page=1#ixzz5oriGGF9r



I have only used it as blockage protocol--but it seems I have read on here too about giving it for diarrhea---but I do not know how much or how long to do it. Maybe some of the others will know.

As for eating pumpkin---you may have to add a little something---I put just a dab of quail egg yoke for my male. I finger fed, and then he ate it off the saucer--he likes it bit too well now:)))

I would have tried just a tiny bit of salmon oil in it---but he runs off when he gets a smell of that.

[Heather]

Do not use pumpkin on a regular basis. It is high in natural sugars and can be enough to tip a ferret who is genetically predispositioned to become insulinoma. It is what it is. If you want to use a natural probiotic I would suggest some kefir (natural, unflavoured). I use goat but you can use water. The only time pumpkin is recommended is for the blockage protocol and on the very rare occasion to try and break a watery stool cycle
Also in regards to the ulcers....watch closely, ferrets often require a second run of the antibiotic regime before the issue is completely resolved
ciao

[jasperngeorgie]

Thank you!

Heather, you mentioned that sometimes 2 rounds of antibiotics is necessary, but you said it in regards to ulcers. Did you mean for Helicobacter? Or do you mean I should I be on the look out for signs of ulcers as a result of the antibiotic? Sorry for my confusion.

I’ll look into the Keifer thanks.
I don’t like marshal brand stuff but they have a probiotic for ferrets. Is it suggested to stay away from those? Does anyone know Which are the primary probiotics found naturally in ferrets?

My dude loves baby food so it should be easy to get him to eat some of I find the right stuff!

Thank again!

[Heather]

Helicobacter is the common cause of ulcers, in fact a proliferation of the bacteria in a ferret usually means they have an ulcer. It is naturally occurring but when stressed, it can cause serious digestive issues (as you discovered). He could have had an ulcer and you never known. The meds that were given were probably what is commonly known as an ulcer protocol.
ciao

[peacexlovexpets]

The problem isn't antibiotics on the tummy, it is how the antibiotics affect the natural microbes in the lower gut that are important for further digestion/absorption of food.

Purina makes a FortiFlora that is great for helping re-establish gut bacteria post antibiotic/loose stool episodes (loose stools tend to be acidic and kill off bacteria similar to how the antibiotic does). It comes in a little pouch that you sprinkle over the food once a day. I have used it off and on in my ferrets (I own it for my dog and it works wonders if he has runny poops) and have never had an issue with it.

I personally wouldn't use a human probiotic/yogurt in a ferret because they have a different microbiome/microbe population than people do, so using the dog/cat FortiFlora would probably be your best bet. It also tastes super yummy, so it isn't hard to add a bit to a diet and get them to eat it.

[raynebc]

I believe Stella and Chewy's has probiotics too. Some FDR soup meals might be enough to re-establish the gut flora promptly.

[jasperngeorgie]

Great, thanks again!