my ferret phoebo is sick

Question
i recently got my 9 week old ferret a week and a half ago.
i noticed yesterday he was sleeping way more then often. i also noticed his butt was really swollen, red and he had litter stuck to it. so i tried to clean it but it hurt him and he kept squirming. he also has a hard time pooping, he makes like a cry when he is trying to poop and it comes out really watery. i have no idea what is wrong with him.

Answer
First of all, congratulations on the new addition to your family!  The whole situation of moving into the house, having a new human and an entirely new environment can be very stressful for the little guy.  This could certainly be a cause.  As far as the red and painful anal area, diarrhea itself is usually the reason for it.  Once it clears up, the red and painful anus should resolve.      

Diarrhea can be caused by a multitude of factors.  Stress is a common cause, especially since you have only had him for a short while.  The move, change in environment and a new person is a big adjustment and that could definitely be the cause for gastric upset.  Another common origin is a sudden change in food.  Are you continuing  to feed the same brand they have been ingesting?  Ferrets have very sensitive digestive tracts and a sudden switch in brands is a notorious cause for diarrhea.  If you ever do decide to change foods, always start out with a small amount of the new food (20 percent) mixed into the old brand. Then, increase the amount to 50/50 after several days.  This will allow him to get used to the new food and not add additional stress to their tummy!

One word of caution is that ferrets can get ill very quickly by not eating or drinking.  They have very short digestive tracts and need nutrients and water frequently.  You might want to consider separating the two for a few days so you can monitor the food and fluid intake of the little guy.  If you find he has little or no interest in food or water, he needs immediate veterinary care.  Not only is the lack of
appetite harmful, but it could indicate a more serious condition.  In this case, make sure you give him plenty of water though an oral syringe since dehydration can occur very quickly.  You can check for dehydration by pressing your finger to his gums.  They should be pink, and have a prompt capillary refill time.  If they are at all tacky to the touch, that is a definite sign.  Another way to tell is by scruffing him, then releasing the fur.  Normally, the skin should "spring" back into place.

Diarrhea can also be caused by many diseases.  Ferrets are susceptible to parasites just like cats and dogs.  A parasite infection is something only a veterinarian can diagnose and treat.  Another thing to watch out for is ECE or "Green Diarrhea".  The stool will appear loose and a bright green to even a yellow color.  The cause of this is
thought to be viral and is very contagious.  Regardless of cause, if the diarrhea becomes worse, or does not resolve in the next few days, you should seek veterinary care.

Here is an excellent website that has some very great information:
http://www.thechipster.com/fert-man.html

Just another note, you should not use clay based cat litter or any pine, cedar or wood chips.  They can cause respiratory complications.  You should use pelleted litter such as Yesterdays News which is available in almost every large pet store.

Best of luck with little Phoebo.  Please bring him to a veterinarian if the diarrhea does not resolve soon.  Keep me updated with his progress.

-Cindy P.
E.R. Vet Tech