From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2002-09-29 05:08:00 UTC
Subject: Re: tylenol and ferrets
To: suziq-rn@attbi.com, ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <p05111701b9bc399dc131@[192.168.1.102]>
Please get back to that person rapidly if possible (This late at
night I know that may not be possible.) nad pass on the info in the
past FHL posts below.
BTW, sometimes ferrets can also trade bacterial sinus infections back
and forth with humans; we've been there.
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=YG3519
I am sorry for your loss. Not all Triaminic products have
acetaminophen in them, but apparently the one that you have, does.
Many people wonder why I don't generally prescribe medications for
ferrets with influenza or other mild upper respiratory infections,
and unfortunately, this is the exact reason why.
Tylenol (acetominophen) is a very toxic drug in ferrets. Any product
containing acetominophen is not suitable for animals, and we don't
even use this product in my household for the humans. This drug is
exclusively metabolized by the liver, and even a small amount
generally overwhelms the liver's abililty to detoxify it. Once that
is breached then the breakdown products of this drug bind to proteins
in the liver cells, rapidly killing the cells, and sending the
animals spiraling into liver failure.
In humans, it has a very low level of toxicity, and I am constantly
amazed at widespread usage. Normal doses have been known to cause
liver damage in persons who take tylenol with alcohol, and a dosage
of only 5-6 times normal may result in death in children. It is a
commonly abused substance in suicide attempts by children and teens.
Bu the key is that in animals, it is a killer. While this is indeed
a tragedy, I am hopeful that others may learn from your misfortune,
and will think twice about giving any human medications to their pets
without a veterinarian's advice.
On a side note, the liver failure occuring with acetominophen is
rapid, fulminant and deadly. When clinical signs appear, the chances
of a pet surviving is minimal. In the case of this type of
Triaminic, it appears that ANY dosage, 3 ccs or not, would likely
have been fatal.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=YG10945
Let's give it a bit more time. THey may have contracted influenze
(ferrets don't get colds) which may account for the coughing and
sneezing. The fac that he is playing and running and eating like
normal is a good sign - but continue to wathc carefully.
About the weight loss - it very well could also be, judging from the
care that they had received prior to coming to live with you, that he
was actually overweight from lack of exercise, and he is returning to
his normal weight. 2lbs 4 oz is still a very healthy weight for a
ferret....
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM