Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Ferrets > Vomiting Ferret.

Vomiting Ferret.

21 10:57:45

Question
Hi. My 7 year old ferret has been experiencing a recent bout of violent vomiting. After I witnessed the second episode I took her to the vet, he advised me of the three main causes of vomiting in ferrets. After a short external examination of her belly to feel for an obstruction my ferret started foaming at the mouth and vomiting again. He concluded she had an intestinal problem called helibactor and she is now on a course of antibiotics.
Her vomit is foamy and has a bile-like appearance, she doesn't have diarrhea and seems fine a while after an attack but during it she is in a lot of distress.
I just would like a second opinion and some reassurance that I am doing all that I can for my beautiful baby.

Answer
Is your ferret pooping normally?  If not, she probably has a blockage. If she has a blockage, she MUST have surgery RIGHT AWAY or she will die. It's that simple. There is nothing regarding ferrets that is more of an emergency.

Palpation will not always reveal blockages. Your ferret may need an ultrasound. She could have irritable bowel disease, or helicobacter as the vet said. There's way too many possibilities and I can't make a diagnosis from a distance as I indicate on my main page here. I strongly recommend you get a second opinion very quickly if your ferret is still vomiting. You should also visit the Ferret Health List at http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/  and post as many details about this situation as possible. Also search the archives there under the keyword "vomiting."

Vomiting in ferrets is quite serious. Go to another vet pronto and get a proper exam to rule out a blockage.

DG