From:
sukiecrandall@telocity.com
Date: 2002-08-02 20:16:33 UTC
Subject: Share your favorite post-surgical tips, PLEASE
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <9106120.1028319393449.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Steve and I have been lucky enough to never lose a ferret in surgery or post-surgically in 20 years. Some of that has been having fine vets, some has been not postponing things that need immediate care, some has been from presurgical testing to reduce risks, some has been from sheer luck, and some has been learning nursing care for them over the years.
I'd like folks to share their tips so that we can all learn. There seems to be a need for these to appear in a place like the FHL and FHL archives to help all.
Here are some of our favorites:
Never allow ferrets to climb anything earlier a week after abdominal surgery, preferably longer.
Instead of regular litters which can dirty an incision use newspaper or newspaper litter. If your papers have a high clay content so that the wetness pools cover them with something more absorbant like paper towels.
Keep the ferret hydrated, even if it means sub-cu fluid injections by the vet.
Don't put ferrets together early on except with direct and constant supervision. Some ferrets remove stitiches, some crush delicate areas, some may not recognize the the sick one due to lack of smell and may pick a fight.
If the ferret removes her or his own sititches lat the vet see and get surgical glue over it, or even re-stitching, as needed.
Use things like meat baby food or a/d mixed with warmed water to help a ferret get enough nutrition and hydration.
Don't give any meds, herbal meds, or supplements that the vet has not okayed. I have heard of folks accidently causing bleeding-out when they didn't realize a hazard may occur.
What are your favorites? Please, provide them!