Ferret diarrhoea: an overview

Abstract

The domestic ferret may present with the clinical sign of diarrhoea due to a multitude of causes. In order for the clinician to adequately understand, diagnose and treat this disease process, a thorough knowledge of the patient's history coupled with appropriate differential diagnosis is essential. Possible causes for diarrhoea include inappropriate diet, foreign material, infectious agents, inflammatory diseases and neoplasia. Initial supportive care is similar and crucial for all cases of diarrhoea in the ferret, but final diagnostic and prognostic success can differ greatly. Understanding these differences will help to improve patient care and owner satisfaction.