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Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection that results in acute and intense diarrhea and other gastrointestinal conditions in animals. Young ferrets or ferrets with compromised immune systems are more prone to the bacteria. Fortunately, it is a disease that can be treated with fluid therapy and antibiotics.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of campylobacteriosis is diarrhea, which can be either watery, bloody or streaked with mucous. The bacterial infection may also lead to other digestive complications such as the incomplete emptying of the ferret's bowel, resulting in fecal buildup and constipation. Campylobacteriosis can also cause:

• Fever
• Inability to eat
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Causes

Campylobacteriosis is due to an infection with the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, which thrives in unhygienic and poorly sanitized areas.

Diagnosis

After ruling out other causes for diarrhea, such as parasitic and viral infections, your veterinarian will conduct a complete blood count and tests to examine the ferret's electrolyte, sodium and potassium levels. Stool samples from the animal will then be taken to the laboratory for cultures and to confirm the bacteria's presence in the ferret.