Use of a Gastrostomy and Jejunostomy Tube for Management of Gastric Distention Following Pyloric Outflow Obstruction in a Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

An 8-month-old spayed female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented for evaluation of persistent, severe gastric distention following gastrotomy to retrieve several foreign bodies. A structural cause of gastric outflow obstruction was not identified ultrasonographically or surgically. A 14 Fr gastrostomy and an 8 Fr jejunostomy tube were used to facilitate medical management of severe gastric stasis and to allow enteral nutrition. The ferret tolerated the feeding tubes well and recovered completely following intensive medical therapy. This report describes successful management of idiopathic gastric distention using gastric and jejunal feeding tubes in a ferret. Feeding tubes and supplemental nutrition plans should be considered for management of ferrets with compatible disease processes.