Diarrhea

[Gansey]

So, I've had two ferrets for about a year. One of them was very sickly and passed away last night. His mate, my surviving ferret, has been searching for him and crying out for him even though I showed him the body of his mate (I know it will take time, regardless).

However, this morning during his play time he had some really liquid poo which is the first time I have seen this. There has been no change in diet or anything else aside from the death of his mate.

Is this a side effect of stress? I want to get him a new friend because he has never been without a friend but I am still grieving and would like to wait before bringing in a new ferret.

My main question is: is this most likely due to stress? And should I get him a friend ASAP?

Thanks!

[caitmonster]

Poor little guy. Sorry to hear about your other little one passing over the bridge. Yes, it is most likely stress--I assume the other one didn't have anything contagious? If you're quite sure it's emotional upset, there is a supplement of flower essences called Bach's Rescue Remedy that can help them through stress. There is a formulation specifically for pets without alcohol. I would think it might be best to give him time to grieve, but others who have dealt with grieving in ferrets could have better suggestions.

[Heather]

Do not rush out and get a new ferret. Give yourselves both time to grieve. Rushing out and getting another ferret and dealing with the stress of intros, of possible rejections is not something either of you need.
I'm sorry that you lost your wee one.....what was the cause for him passing? Was a necropsy done? The reason why I'm asking is though the loose stool could be stress it could also be a sign of other issues. I never accept mental until I've ruled out physical. I would be vetting your little one especially if there is more than a couple of liquid stools. Dehydration can make him very sick very quickly. The loss of a bonded mate has been known to create ulcers and cause gastric upset but vetting is often required to prevent a downward spiral
ciao

[Gansey]

Thank you both for such speedy responses! I will get some Bach's Rescue Remedy for him.

My boy passed due to adrenal tumors. I did not think of getting a necropsy at the time, but perhaps I should have. He passed at an old age and I made his final year as joyful as I could. I am still fairly new to ferrets, however, and this is the first time I have dealt with the death of such a dear friend.

My remaining ferret is only a year and a half but I could not bear to lose him too. Regardless if he has another loose stool he will go to the vet because it is true, I am not 100% certain of the cause of death of my first fuzzy since I didn't get a necropsy done.

[peacexlovexpets]

It more than likely is stress related. Just think of a dog at a kennel for a weekend-most of them get really loose stools. He lost his buddy and is confused. Studies show that a fair amount of the time, when you show your pet the dead body they no longer recognize it as their buddy because it smells different (due to death...), so they don't necessarily make the connection and it doesn't really speed up the recovery process.

As long as your guy has enough fluids in him (drinking water, bowl and/or bottle) he should be fine. If you are really concerned, try and add some ferretone or other liquid style treat to some pedialite and syringe feed him it to force some fluids in him. If it continues for more than a day or two, I would bring him to the vet, as a stressed animal is much more prone to getting a secondary infection, so they might put him on an antibiotic and give him some sub-cutaneous fluids.