Your ferrets’ poop can be an indicator of a number of health issues. “Normal” ferret poo is tubular in shape and tan-brown in color. But why is your ferrets´ poop green all of a sudden? This article will help you understand what’s going on with your pet so that you can take the necessary steps to get him back into good health!
Green poop could be a sign of ECE (Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis), a viral disease. If you notice that your ferrets’ poo is green – Go and see your vet!
What Color should my Ferrets Poop be?
There are some colors that are normal, and some that indicate digestive problems. Learn about the different colors of poop, why they happen, and other important stuff. Generally speaking, your ferrets’ poo should be of a tan-brown color.
If it has any yellow or orange tinge to it, this could mean there’s something wrong with their digestion system. It may also signal that they have worms.
Green Poop and ECE
Here is what the experts over at the NCBI (US National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health) say about ECE in Ferrets:
Epizootic catarrhal enteritis (ECE) is an enteric viral disease of ferrets that is caused by a novel coronavirus, designated as ferret enteric coronavirus (FECV). In naïve ferrets, infection results in profuse greenish, mucoid diarrhea with high morbidity and low mortality.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7152023/
So if your ferrets are having green feces, then chances are they’re suffering from ECE. The best thing for them would be to see a vet right away. Depending on the status of hydration, they’ll need to give them fluids intravenously until they recover. Older Ferrets are prone to more severe cases of ECE. As said above, contact your veterinarian for immediate help.
Symptoms of ECE
- Loss of appetite
- Green poop (slimy, watery)
- Blood in the stool leaves black stains
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Weakness
How do you get Rid of ECE in Ferrets?
You’ll get antibiotics and antiviral drugs from your vet. Medications that protect the intestinal lining may also be prescribed. A bland, easily digestible diet is necessary in addition to the medication. If your ferret doesn’t seem interested in eating, he probably isn’t feeling well either. Diarrhea leads to dehydration. Your ferret needs extra liquids to stay healthy.
How long does ECE in Ferrets last?
Usually, ECE lasts between seven and ten days in younger, healthy ferrets. Approximately 20% of the time, the immune system responds too aggressively, resulting in extended illness.
The result may be chronic wasting syndrome. It may take up to six months after the first infection for ferrets to become disease-free (they still could be carriers of the ECE and give it to other ferrets). The good news is, that ferrets who have had ECE, most likely won’t get it again.
What Does Unhealthy Ferret Poop look like?
Seedy ferret poop is the most common abnormal ferret poop. Grainy ferret poop is another name for this type of poop. Changes in diet usually cause it. It could be a different kind of kibble or a whole raw meat transition.
Poop that’s seedy means that your ferret hasn’t digested his food properly, it came through too quickly, and it’s usually undigested fat. You don’t have to worry about it when it happens due to diet changes. However, if it continues after changing diets, it might be time to consult your vet.
Why does my Ferret have Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms seen by veterinarians when they examine ferrets for any reason. Ferrets are prone to gastrointestinal problems because their digestive system works differently than ours do.
Why is my Ferrets Poop Slimy?
Slimy poop could be a sign of ECE or a recent change in your ferrets’ diet. Sometimes, when switching from one kind of diet to another. One kind of kibble to another or a transition from dry to raw food.
Why does my Ferrets Poop Smell so bad?
Stinky food equals stinky poop. The anal glands of ferrets (and some omnivorous) produce special scents that are unique to them. Their anal glands emit a strong odor and mark their borders. So its not necessarily your ferrets’ poo that smells bad, but the secrets of their anal glands.
How do you know if your Ferret has a Blockage?
Here is what Karen L. Rosenthal, DVM, MS, Diplomate ABVP-Avian has to say about this topic: “The likely signs of a gastrointestinal obstruction in any age ferret include anorexia and lethargy. Weight loss can be profound if the obstruction is chronic. Other less commonly seen signs include diarrhea, ptyalism and pawing at the mouth.” She further goes on that “Gastrointestinal obstruction is more common in young ferrets”
Source: https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11131&id=3844051&print=1
Other signs can be:
- Straining to poop
- Going to the litter box without producing any poop
- Vomiting
- Pawing of the mouth
A blockage is an emergency! Do not waste any time. Your ferret needs immediate treatment if it is suffering from a blockage! It is a matter of life and death!
Summary
Why is your ferrets’ poop green? One reason could be an infection with ECE (Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis) a viral disease. This virus causes inflammation of the intestinal tract which leads to greenish diarrhea.
Another possible explanation would be a dietary problem such as eating something new. If your ferret eats something it is possible to notice a change in your ferrets’ poop.
ALWAYS consult with your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual in regards to your furry friends’ stool. If you are suspicious that your ferret might suffer from a blockage – act immediately and contact your vet ASAP!