Sandy looking poop

Question
Hi, it's Kelley again.  Lilly is fine, I talked to the ferret shelter lady and we
determined at first, that the not eating was probably related to her swtiching
homes, or a bactria and not her fall necessarily so we put her on some
carafate and anitbotics and she is bouncing around and back to normal.
Now one of my other ferrets, Roxy, has sandy looking poop.  It is liquid not at
all solid except that it looks sandy.  This has been going on a few days, she is
drinking and she was eating but last night she just looked really sick and
wasn't eating but still drinking.  I talked to the ferret shelter lady, she said
she might have caught what ever Lilly had and she said to give her some
carafate, antibotics, and pumpkin and I gave her some baby food a few times
today.  She also will have a slight gaging moment if she drinks or eats.  She is
really just laying around not moving and sleeping very heavily.  I am going to
take her to the vet tommorrow.  But would like to know your opinion, since
you were so helpfull with Lilly.

Answer
Hi Kelley:

It's hard to know for sure what you are describing. I've heard of poops that look like 'bird seed'; that means the food is not getting digested properly, either going thru the system too fast or for some reason not being fully digested.

The other possibility that exists is a bacterial infection of some kind. Ferrets usually pass whatever they get to their cagemates, so it would definitely make sense to put her on the antibiotic and carafate, same as Lilly is on. If her poops are still runny, be sure to get extra fluids down her.  Dehydration can make them very sluggish and sleepy and dehydration is what will kill a ferret first, so it is wise to get as many fluids in as possible.

Let's check for dehydration:  Pinch her skin on the back of her neck as if you were going to 'scruff' her. Then let go of the skin and notice if it stays 'tented' up or does it go right back down in place?  If it stays tented up, even a little, she is dehydrated; the longer it stays up, the more dehydrated she is.  If she is very dehydrated, you won't be able to get enough fluids down her to save her; the vet will have to give sub-Q fluids (under the skin). Many shelter operators can also do this, so check with her. It could save you some money and may save the ferret's life to get fluids sooner rather than later at the vet's office.

Ultimately, if she doesn't get better within 24 hours of being sick, she needs to go to the vet.  I never let my ferrets go longer than 24 hours without seeing a vet if they are ill. The more sick, the faster they go to the vet. The things to worry about most are bleeding of any kind and dehydration (caused by diarrhea and/or vomiting). That's the 'guide' I use to determine when to take them to the vet.

I will be happy to hear that both Lilly AND Roxy are well, happy and playing like ornery little ferrets!  Don't hesitate to write again if I can be of help in any way.

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers