ferret has no go in him

Question
QUESTION: I have recently got 2 baby ferrets. One is 9 weeks old and the other is 8 weeks, The 8 weeks one is full of life, walking with no trouble, going toilet with no trouble (even try to get back in the cage when she wants to go), she does nip a little bit but she is better than when I got her, when she is awake she wants to play and wants to be out the cage or play with the other one. The 9 weeks old one seems to have no lie in him, He just seems to want to sleep or just want to lay down, he seems to have some trouble walking (like his belly to too big for his little legs). He doesn't nip at all, he doesn't play with the other one but when he does he seems to wait for her to come to him. Not sure if there something wrong with him or if he just slow at picking things up

ANSWER: Hi Matthew:

First thing I would do with this ferret is treat him for intestinal blockage. Often baby ferrets will either chew on their blankies or bedding and get blockage in their intestines and it can kill them if they can't pass it. Sounds like that's what you have here to me, especially with the swollen belly.

Here are the directions - (we usually use Vetasyl and Hill's A/D, but don't think they are available in the UK) You can substitute Vetasyl for 1/2tsp Metamucil (psyllium), a bulk laxative, and the Hill's A/D for canned baby food meat (chicken or turkey) to make the "soup" withUse one tablespoon meat and six ounces warm water, then add the psyllium, stir and finger feed to the ferret twice daily (ALL OF IT). At first he won't like it, but he will like it and get used to it after a bit - finger feed it to help him at first until h takes to it. Try to get at least 4 ounces down him since he's a baby - more if he will take it.

As he starts to have bowel movemnts, check them to see what comes out. Spread them on a paper towel with a knife and there should be strings or hardened fur after the first day or two. Continue for a minimum of three days. If nothing has come out, do an additional two days. If something HAS come out, continue for TWO DAYS BEYOND when the last bit of foreign material comes out to be sure everything is out.

This treatment is safe and will not hurt him. If you should notice him in a lot of stomach distress, it would mean that his bowels are completely obstructed and he will need surgery to remove whatever is in there. That's the only danger in doing this. Other than that, it can't hurt him to continue it and clean him out good.

Please write again and let me know how this comes out and what you find that comes out of him. Or, of course, if nothing does come out.  There is always a possibility that he has a neurological problem of some kind but that would be very rare. Let's try treating for intestinal blockage first since that is the thing that can kill him the fastest.  PLEASE do start this treatment as quickly as possible.

DO NOT SUBSTITUTE any other kind of laxative for the psyllium - it is only a "bulking agent", not a laxative as such.  A laxative as such could kill a ferret. If you are unsure about what a bulking agent is in your country, please consult with a pharmacist to get the proper psyllium product.

Best of luck - please let me know how it goes! My thoughts and prayers are with your little one.

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick reply Jacquie. His bowel movments are normall they have been very dark the passed few days but i have found that there is too much liver in his diet. Other than that his movments are fine. He doesnt strain when he goes. I am taking him to the vets tomorrow. Will let you know what they say

ANSWER: Excellent idea, Matthew.  I will look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jacquie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jacquie

Otto has been to the vets today she has said that she doesn't think that there is anything wrong with him. She cant find any reason why he is like he is. she said that she cant find a blockage. Hhis heart rate was a little high but she out that down to been a strange place. his breathig was that same as his heart rate. she said too give him about a month and see if anything changes if there is no change she said bring him back and they will do some tests she said he might just be slow at growing. I will get in conact once it been a month.

Again big big thank for your quick reply

Answer
Hi again Matthew:

You are very wise to watch this little guy closely. Even tho he is a baby, they do get things wrong with them too.  Continue to watch for anything you feel doesn't seem right that might be a clue. Let's HOPE & PRAY it is nothing, but keep watching closely just in case.  I'm here to help anytime you feel I can be of assistance, don't hesitate to write again.  Best of luck  - I will be anxiously awaiting a report in a month.  ((((Hugs)))) to Otto and his buddy tooo!

Sincerely,

Jacquie