Section: Veterinary Care In-depth
Diagnosis In-depthA thorough history is extremely important in the diagnosis of vomiting. Be prepared to answer the following questions:
When did the problem begin and how frequently is your ferret is vomiting?
Is the vomitus digested or undigested food? Liquid or solid? Does it appear frothy and bile-stained (yellow or green)?
Is there an increase (or decrease) in the amount and frequency of stools?
Does the ferret strain to defecate?
Is there fresh blood or mucous in the feces?
Has the diet changed? Does the ferret tend to eat table foods or get into the garbage?
Is the ferret still eating a normal amount of food?
What are the ferrets chewing habits? Does he have access to metal objects or plants? Does the ferret chew apart toys?
Are any other symptoms, such as lethargy or weight loss present?
Has the ferret been exposed to other ferrets?
The veterinarian will recommend specific diagnostic tests depending on how severe the vomiting is, if other symptoms are present, or how long the problem has been going on. Ferrets that have other symptoms or have had chronic or recurrent vomiting may require extensive diagnostic testing. Any combination of the following may be recommended:
A thorough physical examination.
Sampling the feces for bacterial culture and cytology to look at cell types for evidence of infection or inflammation
Sampling of the feces to look for intestinal parasites
A complete blood count (CBC). The number of circulating white blood cells may be helpful in distinguishing between infectious and non-infectious causes of vomiting. The number of red blood cells may be diminished if bleeding in the intestinal tract is present.
Serum biochemistry panel to look for evidence of metabolic problems, such as diseases of the liver, kidney or pancreas
Radiography (X-rays) to look for evidence of intestinal disease, tumors, size and density of the liver, kidneys or other organs.
Contrast radiographs, such as barium studies, to look for tumors or foreign bodies, ulcerations or thickening of the lining of the intestinal tract. This test will also determine how quickly ingested material is moved through the intestinal tract.
Abdominal ultrasound. To visualize the intestinal tract for evidence of intestinal wall thickening, gastrointestinal masses, and foreign bodies. This is also useful in identifying tumors. A small sample may be obtained by using the ultrasound to guide a needle into any mass found in the abdomen. A specialist usually performs this test.
Endoscopy. To view the intestinal tract directly with a flexible endoscope to collect samples for biopsy or culture. A specialist usually performs this test.
Exploratory laparotomy. Often, surgery must be performed to obtain segments of the intestinal tract for biopsy in order to determine the cause of vomiting.
Therapy In-depth
Your veterinarian may recommend one or more of the diagnostic tests described above. In the meantime, treatment of the symptoms might be needed, especially of the problem is severe. The following treatments may be applicable to some, but not all ferrets that are vomiting. Theses treatments may reduce the severity of symptoms, or provide relief for your ferret. However, nonspecific therapy is not a substitute for definite treatment of the underlying disease responsible for your ferret's condition.
Ferrets with moderate to severe vomiting and other symptoms such as lethargy and anorexia usually require hospitalization and 24-hour care.
Fluid therapy. Ferrets that are vomiting often become dehydrated and require fluids, which may be given by an intravenous catheter or subcutaneously (under the skin). The route of administration depends on how severe the level of dehydration is.
Dietary change. Ferrets that are still willing to eat will often benefit from a diet that is easy to digest.
Forced feeding. Ferrets that refuse food may require forced-feeding of an easily digestible, high protein food.
Antibiotics or antiparasitic medications may be needed to treat or prevent an overgrowth of bacteria or parasites.
Intestinal protectants such as sucralfate (Carafate), cimetidine (Tagamet), or pepto bismol.
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