There are many common GI problems in ferrets.  They have a very fast GI transit time, so GI disorders can be especially problematic in ferrets.  We will cover many of the common problems we see.  GI lymphoma is discussed in the "Common Cancers" section and will not be covered here.

This is by far the most common GI problem we see in young ferrets.  They love to get into everything.  When a foreign body causes a GI obstruction, though, the consequences can be devastating.  Symptoms of a GI foreign body are similar to those in dogs and cats and include:

• Decreased appetite and weight loss
  
• Decreased production of stool
  
• Diarrhea ranging from mild to black, tarry stool
  
• Vomiting (especially green, projectile vomit)
• Grinding of the teeth (because of abdominal pain)
• Aggressive behavior

If your ferret is exhibiting any of these symptoms, abdominal x-rays are needed to check for a foreign body.  If regular x-rays aren't enough to diagnose a foreign body, barium contrast x-rays or abdominal ultrasound may be needed.  Sometimes we never actually see a foreign body but the symptoms make us so suspicious we recommend surgery anyway.   Surgery is needed to remove the foreign material and ferrets usually do remarkably well once the surgery is performed. 

This is a viral disease that affects ferrets and is traditionally known as "green slime disease".  Older ferrets are usually more severely affected.  ECE can cause inflammation of the intestinal tract as well as the liver, and ferrets have diarrhea that can range from soft, mucoid green stool to bloody diarrhea.  The stool may also have a "birdseed-like" consistency which is a sign of poor digestion of food.  Vomiting can also occur in some cases.  Treatment consists of supportive care with fluids, nutritional support, antibiotics for secondary infections, and intestinal coating agents.  Once ferrets recover, they can be carriers for the virus or break with it occasionally from time to time. 

Helicobacter mustelae is a common bacteria found in the stomach of many ferrets without causing any problems whatsoever.  In some ferrets, this bacteria can cause gastritis (inflammation in the stomach) which can range from mild inflammation to severe ulceration and GI bleeding.  Ferrets affected with Helicobacter ulcers will exhibit teeth grinding, decreased appetite, excessive salivation, tarry stools, and weight loss.  Treatment consists of specific antibiotics and antacids.  This is more of a management than a cure, as Helicobacter gastritis will never completely go away.  Signs can be controlled, though, so your ferret can be comfortable.

The two most common parasites found in ferrets are coccidia and giardia, protozoan parasites that can cause diarrhea and are readily transmitted between ferrets and other species of animals (including humans!).  They are usually found in ferrets kept in unsanitary conditions or housed with a large number of other ferrets.  These parasites can easily be diagnosed on a fecal exam and are treated with appropriate medication.  Other parasites that can be found on fecal exam include nematodes (roundworms, hookworms) and tapeworms.  These, too, can be easily treated and hopefully we can address why your ferret has these parasites.

This is an inflammatory disease that affects the ferret's small intestine, likely secondary to stimulation from some allergen source.  The inflammation causes irritation to the lining of the GI tract and thus causes diarrhea, weight loss, and a poor appetite.  Bloodwork can be suggestive of this disease but a definitive diagnosis is made off of intestinal biopsies.  Because most owners do not want to get that aggressive with diagnostics, we can also do a trial of treatment for eosinophilic gastroenteritis once other diseases have been ruled out to see if there is a positive response.  Treatment includes switching your ferret to a hypoallergenic diet, giving steroids, and giving some intestinal antibiotics.  In a large number of cases, simply switching to a grain-free diet will eliminate the majority of the symptoms so long term steroids are not necessarily required.