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| Ferrets are susceptible to stomach ulcers, particularly in times of stress. It is thought that a bacterium called Helicobacter is responsible at least in part, for the damage. When the walls of the stomach become eroded, it loses the mucus layer that protects it from the strong stomach acid, and the acid will further damage the stomach wall. Sometimes the ulcer will bleed into the stomach, which will be noticed by the black tarry feces the ferret will produce, and possibly bloody vomit. Other times the ulcer might continue to erode through the wall of the stomach with the risk of perforation, resulting in the spilling of stomach contents into the abdominal cavity. This causes peritonitis, which is a bacterial infection and inflammation of the abdomen, a very serious condition.
It is best to pay close attention to your ferrets at times of stress, such as the loss of another ferret, a move or the addition of another pet. Ferrets may grind their teeth, lose interest in food, become lethargic, have a painful belly, vomit, and may or may not have black tarry stool. If you notice these signs in your ferret, you should visit your veterinarian. There are medications that reduce the acidity of the stomach, and that form a protective layer over the ulcerated area which are necessary to allow the ulcer to heal |
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© J. Strong-Klefenz, 2002 - 2006. All Rights Reserved.
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Any unauthorized reproduction, storage, transmittal or distribution, in whole or part, is strictly prohibited.