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Treatment

Most ferrets with dyschezia and hematochezia may be treated on an outpatient basis unless the underlying condition is severe enough to require supportive care. For example, dehydration or internal bleeding will need to be brought under control before further treatment can be undertaken.

Rectoanal diseases, such as hernias of the perineum (the space between the genital and the anus) or rectoanal polyps, may require surgical correction. Your veterinarian may also prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and/or laxatives, depending on the underlying cause of the disease.

Living and Management

The long-term outcome is good with proper and early treatment and care. Follow-up treatment is necessary to ensure a good long-term outcome. In addition, veterinarians can identify ferrets most at risk for the disease -- such as those living in high stress environments, those exposed to poor hygienic conditions, and those with concurrent conditions like colonic diseases or diseases affecting the colon and gastrointestinal tract -- and advise you how to manage your ferret's living conditions.