From:
Debi Christy
Date: 2001-11-16 00:14:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Getting rid of the mites for good
We treat ear mites, after cleaning ears, with one drop of Ivomec
injectible (Ivermectin) in each ear and one drop rubbed into fur at
the base of the tail, repeated in two weeks, with excellent results.
It does take some practice to get ONLY one drop in a wiggly ferret
ear, so practice over a paper towel first. Holding the syringe so
that the plunger is sliding against your fingers helps, as does
having a second person holding the ferret.
In 'overdose' cases of two or three drops, we have not observed any
ill effects. In such cases, we swab the ear with a dry cotton swab.
Oral ivemectin (0.3cc of injectible ivermectin with one ounce of
propylene glycol for a concentration 100 mcg/cc., dosed at 0.1
cc/lb) is given monthly for heartworm prevention.
I have read somewhere, but can't reference at the moment, that there
has been some evidence that year-round heartworm treatment reduces
risk of ear mite occurance... but it should be noted... we still have
an occasional bout of ear mites. Which might only be due to the fact
that new ferrets come and go here and may be the source of outbreaks.
Debi Christy
Ferrets First Foster Home
http://www.geocities.com/ferretsfirst