From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-03-10 21:49:00 UTC
Subject: Re: More on dehydration
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Noelle Bochichio"
<noelle.bochichio@s...> wrote:
> Dear Dr. Williams,
>
> If SQ fluids are not immediately available, what is your
recommendation for
> treating a mildy dehydrated ferret with diarrhea?
>
> Thanks, Noelle
Pedialyte liquid orally be syringe or dropper is helpful. A lot of
people automatically give pedialyte when a ferret is sick, and that
is probably overdoing it. If there is electrolyte loss from the
body, such as from multiple episodes of diarrhea or vomiting, then it
is probably warranted, but if there is no elecrolyte loss, it
probably offers little over regular tap water.
The key is to offer the oral fluids every 2-4 hours - you can't give
too much oral fluids. If you don't have pedialyte, then use regular
water - it may not have all of the electrolytes that pedialyte does,
but it will provide volume replacement.
The best idea, though, is to always keep some SQ fluids on hand,
especially if you have a large number of ferrets or are running a
rescue operation.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
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