Ferret Ulcer

[dexterandgaby]

I have a little 3 year old ferret named Gabby. We got her about 3 years ago from the Humane Society after she was abandoned in an apartment building. She was sick in November, very lethargic and hadn't drank or eaten in about 3 days and had black slimy stool. So on a Sunday night we called our local vet because she just had no energy at all. Brought her in and they gave her liquids under the skin, after doing some bloodwork the vet - he doesn't specialize with exotics but after chatting with other vets they said they believed she had a stomach ulcer. So he prescribed amoxicillin, metronidazole and pepto bismole. So we gave had that for the 10 days. We also started siringe feeding her oxbo carnivole care since she was not eating any of her hard food. She started doing better after the antibiotics, stool was back to normal and she was eating and drinking again. Now (January) she is having dark stool again and is throwing up atleast one time a week. Last night she projectile vomited dark brown vomit. I know online it says that it can take up to 4 weeks to recover from an ulcer but I don't know if she actually is. She is more peppy now though but everytime she eats, she runs around after and rubs herself on everything, and she does this weird thing with her mouth (its seems like she's licking her lips or grinding her teeth not sure). Just wondering if any body has had a similar situation. At this point I am really not sure what to do.

I must say that during this whole thing, her big brother Dexter (who usually does not want to be bothered by her has been so sweet, letting her take naps with him in his hammock )

Anyway if anybody can help me out that would be great. Thanks!

[bitbyter]

From her behaviour after eating that definitely sounds like some kind of digestive issue. My first guess would be ulcer or maybe even a floating blockage. Are the foods you are using any different from before this started? Had you just purchased a new bag of food (if you are feeding kibble)? Pet companies are notorious for changing their ingredients without notifying their customers and she could be allergic to something if it was reformulated.

[Deleted]

My initial thought was a blockage too, she could be vomiting food/poo mix that can't get passed the blockage. Your best bet is to find a ferret knowledgeable vet and make an appointment ASAP. These guys go down hill so fast.

www.ferret.org/links/vets.html

~Kelli

[Heather]

I"m guessing that you're feeding kibbles? hence the brown vomit She is producing a reasonable amount of stool but it is back to being tarry?

I have found that in my experience with ulcers 10 days will not cure it. It will fix it enough that you think it's better but it will return pre-treatment state if medication is discontinued at this time. I've found that medication must be given for at least a month. My vet no longer treats ferret ulcers for 10 days....she treats at a minimum 20 days with a possible third dosage if the ferret still appears to return to it's pre-treatment state.
ciao

[Sherry]

It does sound like an ulcer. Those can take up to 3 months of treatment sometimes.
Unfortunately the only way to rule out a blockage is a barium X-ray. For that you would be better with a ferret knowledgeable vet.
One way or another, she needs treatment, and ruling out a blockage is the most immediate concern as that can be fatal very quickly.

[dexterandgaby]

Thanks for all the responses! This is a great site.

She's booked for the Vet on Thursday, so we will see what they suggest and go from there.

Nadia