It is critical to treat this disease quickly because a ferret can literally waste away and die within days whereas other companion pets have the ability to hang on longer before getting critically ill. This is similar to ECE which stays in the environment for at least six months. He also speculated that it is possible that the increase in popularity of ferrets is resulting in new diseases in their environment. V omiting is different from regurgitation. Vomiting means that the food has entered the stomach whereas in regurgitation, the material does not enter the stomach first.
Regurgitation is common in ferrets with megaesophagus , a relatively rare condition.
In megaesophagus, the esophagus dilates due to the lack of muscular motility. When the ferret attempts to swallow, the food or liquid cannot be propelled into the stomach causing the esophagus to swell as it fills. As a result, the ferret regurgitates usually within minutes of eating Copyright November, 2000. This article may be reproduced and freely reprinted provided no modifications or changes are made.