From:
Karen Purcell, DVM
Date: 2001-07-29 10:42:00 UTC
Subject: Re: arthritis treatments?
Hey folks,
I'm back from the working world again. Had to comment on the
following:
> > if we shouldn't be considering some sort of anti-inflammatory drug
> for older
> > ferrets who appear to be having a hard time getting around. I know
> both my 6
> > year olds have greatly decreased their climbing this year. Vet
> comments?
>
>
> My general inclination is that while these may be the most common
> pathology of the skeleton, it may not be extreemly common overall.
> The use of anti-inflammatory drugs in ferrets is not without side
> effects, and many of these may be toxic in even moderate amounts. I
> am hesitant to prescribe these durgs ina prophylactic fashion without
> a definite indication for their use - either radiographic or
> clinical.
I'm more in favor of using glucosamine/chondroitan combinations, as
the lowest recommended cat dose. Much safer, and less likely to have
side effects. Only problem is getting them to eat it.
-Dr. Karen
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