Proliferative Bowel Disease in Ferrets: A Vet’s 2025 Guide to Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment 🐾🩺

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – exotic‑pet veterinarian & founder of Ask A Vet 🩺

Proliferative bowel disease (PBD) is a bacterial infection of the lower intestine caused by Lawsonia intracellularis. Though relatively uncommon in modern, well‑cared‑for ferrets, this disease remains a threat—especially in kits aged 12–16 weeks and older animals with compromised immunity. Prompt recognition and treatment can mean the difference between recovery and a life‑threatening condition.

1. 🔍 What Is Proliferative Bowel Disease (PBD)?

PBD is an infection causing thickening of the colon and/or ileum due to proliferation of intestinal cells. It’s distinct from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), though both may sometimes coexist. Histologically, PBD shows lesions mainly in the lower bowel, with marked epithelial and mucosal thickening—and while biopsy is definitive, diagnosis can often be suspected based on age, symptoms, and response to antibiotics :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

2. ⚠️ Who Is at Risk?

• Kits aged ~12–16 weeks—peak incidence in this group :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Older ferrets with weakened immune systems :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Males may show slightly higher susceptibility, though all sexes are at risk :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Stressful conditions—poor hygiene, overcrowding, or sudden diet change—increase chances :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

3. ⚠️ Signs & Symptoms

• Dark green, mucus‑laden or bloody diarrhea
• Straining and pain during defecation—often vocalized cries
• Rectal prolapse in severe cases; watch for tissue protrusion :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Rapid weight loss, severe muscle wasting, unsteady gait
• Anorexia, lethargy, and dehydration due to nutrient and fluid loss

4. 🩺 Diagnosis

• Physical exam: palpate thick gut, hydration status, body condition.
• Fecal exam: rule out parasites and common bacterial pathogens :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Abdominal ultrasound: visualize thickened bowel segments and exclude other issues.
• Biopsy of colon/ileum: histopathology confirms proliferative enteropathy :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Response to treatment: improvement with targeted antibiotics is highly suggestive.

5. 🛠 Treatment Plan

A. Antibiotic Therapy

• Chloramphenicol is the antibiotic of choice—typical dose: 25 mg/kg PO twice daily for 14–21 days :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Complete the course to ensure elimination of Lawsonia.

B. Fluid & Nutritional Support

• IV or subcutaneous fluids to combat dehydration
• High‑calorie wet foods—canned cat food or meat baby food
• Supplement with nutrient-dense pastes (e.g., Nutrical, Carnivore Care) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

C. Managing Surgical Needs

• Rectal prolapse—usually requires sedation, repositioning, and suturing until bowel function normalizes :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

D. Pain & Anti‑inflammatory Care

• Use vet‑recommended analgesics to ease straining discomfort.
• Gastroprotectants (like sucralfate) may help soothe inflamed mucosa.

6. 🏡 Recovery & Monitoring

• Monitor stool consistency and bowel movements daily.
• Weigh your ferret frequently and monitor hydration status.
• Follow‑up with fecal or ultrasound check if symptoms persist.
• Evaluate the need for extended antibiotics or further diagnostics in chronic or relapsing cases.

7. 🛡 Prevention & Management

• Maintain clean, stress‑free living area—wash bedding, bowls, and litter daily.
• Minimize sudden changes in diet and avoid overcrowding :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Quarantine new or sick ferrets, especially during outbreaks.
• Regular vet checkups during kit growth phase (~2–4 months).

8. 📊 Quick Reference Table

9. 🧡 Final Takeaways

• PBD is a treatable but potentially severe infection—early recognition saves lives.
• Chloramphenicol with fluids and nutritional support is the mainstay of treatment.
• Prompt surgical repair of rectal prolapse often needed.
• Monitor intestinal health over weeks and prevent recurrence through hygiene.
• Ask A Vet is here to guide antibiotic dosing, diet plans, and progress checks—via app or AskAVet.com. 🐾

If your ferret shows green, bloody diarrhea, straining, or weight loss, seek veterinary care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve outcomes. Download the Ask A Vet app for quick expert consultation and treatment support. 🩺