From:
Melissa
Date: 2002-12-03 00:40:57 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] RE: Causes for pain with eating?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <20021203004057.88355.qmail@web14406.mail.yahoo.com>
--- sukiecrandall@telocity.com wrote:
> Running away may not be pain. It may be feeling
> full, becoming distracted, getting excited, or
> thinking that a more dominent individual wants the
> food. What happens if you then pick him up and let
> him lick some from your fingers?
Well, feeding him from my fingers is the *only* way he
will eat, and it's been like that since February.
Before, he used to run towards me when it was time for
food, and had an excellent appetite...he was eating 4
jars of baby food a day in January, and now eats only
1 2/3 - 2 jars. He weighs about 3 1/2 lbs. He was
eating some kibble in January, but now eats only baby
food, both chicken and turkey. I have tried beef and
veal, but he will have nothing to do with them, nor
with powdered/ground kibble sprinkled in/on the baby
food.
Basically, the thing that concerns me is that when he
runs away, he puts his tail up in the air, in that
abnormal posture that (I understand) indicates pain.
He will hold it that way for several minutes after
eating. Before the flagyl (just finished last week),
his tail had been in that arched position continually
for several months, and now it only happens right
after he eats.
When feeding, I always hold him for a few minutes if
he's not been awake long, I make sure we're up where
the other ferrets can't disturb him, and I try to be
very calm. i usually hold him on my lap or sit him on
the sofa near me on a towel when he eats. If he is
just not eating well, I will try to give him a few
minutes and try again, but he usually will just do the
same thing -- a few licks, then freezing up and
running away.
I am just very concerned that the pain is caused by
some problem I'm not understanding.
Thank you for your help!
Melissa
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