Finding a vet (and food recommendations) for a chronically ill ferret

Question
I have a 1 1/2 year old female and a just over 1 year old male.  The male was recently (in the last 6 months) diagnosed with Eosinophilic Enteritis.  He was quite sick, but now that we know what the problem is he is responding fairly well to meds (steroids).  He still clearly has some upset stomach issues though (throws up occasionally), which is common with the disease (they are unsure, but it is believed the cause is often a food allergy).  I have looked around online, as well as talked to my current vet about different foods to try, but not knowing the allergen makes it difficult.  Currently, he is eating Hill's Science Diet z/d Low Allergen Feline without too much trouble, but I would like to find something that offers more complete nutrition if possible.  Both ferrets grew up on Marshalls (not great I know) and I have tried Totally Ferret Turkey Venison Lamb formula, but he does not seem to react well to lamb (he liked the food and lamb baby food, but throws up afterwards).  I know it is difficult to make any recommendations without knowing what he is allergic to, but if you have any suggestions on other foods to try, I'm all ears!

I am also looking for a new vet, as I have just moved to an apartment in the Fredonia, NY area.  My ferrets are at my mother's until I can find a good vet, as the little guy needs prescription food and meds on a regular basis.  I would prefer someone who has at least heard of the disease, but I know there is not a huge selection of exotic vets in the area.  I have looked around online for nearby vets as well without much success.

I appreciate any recommendations or suggestions.  Thanks

Answer
Hi Laura,

I am so sorry to hear about your sick little boy. I am very glad to hear that he is doing at least a little bit better and I am so glad about how great a ferret mommy you are being!

Here is a list of websites that could help lead you in the right direction of finding a ferret vet in your area:

VETS USA:
* http://www.quincyweb.net/quincy/vet.html
* http://ferrethealth.org/vets/
* http://www.ferret-universe.com/vets/vetlist.asp
* http://www.ferretsanctuary.com/vets.shtml
* http://www.ferretcentral.org/for-others/db-vets.html
* http://ferrethealth.org/vets/


Here is a chart that contains the names of popular ferret foods:

http://www.mdferretpaws.org/care/food_treats.html

I would suggest looking at only the foods that scored a 9 or above. I have no personal experience with this specific disease, so I'm not really sure what advice to give you beyond that. Finding a vet is important because maybe another vet would have more of an opinion on what your little boy is allergic to.

Also, you can try posing your question on what other foods to try to another expert. They may have a bit more experience with this particular disease. Like I said, check the vets list and then check the food chart to see about other foods to try on the little boy. I hope you find one that will not be too hard on him!

If there is anything else I can do, please do not hesitate to ask. I will help you in any way I can.

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews


-FOLLOW UP-

Hi again Laura,

I was doing some more research after you asked this question because I've been thinking of you and your little fuzzy. The Totally Ferret Turkey-Venison-Lamb formula is supposed to be "hypoallergenic." It doesn't have chicken in it, so you might want to try that. Maybe it will help your little boy's stomach problems. Let me know how it goes if you decide to try it!

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews