From:
sukieferret
Date: 2002-01-26 23:14:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Seek Different Views of Rehabilitating Sick Ferrets
> rehabilitate sick ferrets...
> touch?
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They love it; you can even put on soft flannel shirts and tie them
around the waist so that a sick one can sleep in there.
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> Message therapy for limbs.
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Feet, too. When really sick they sometimes seem more prone to
having cramps of the rear legs and rear feet and very gentle
massage helps.
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> Constant nuturing.
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We don't usually disturb them when asleep because sleeping a
lot helps them heal, but we use talking and singing other ways --
they can be very useful for getting sick ferrets to eat more, for
instance, and to reduce stress when giving meds. Exception: we
talk gently to any sleeping one who seems to be having a
nightmare to get the individual back into pleasant sleep.
Oh, and I often let them "punish" me usually if that makes them
feel better about getting hated meds. Warp sometimes piddles
on me if she is very upset, and Ashling has to have a treat
afterward but sometimes also has to wipe the med or the treat in
my hair (Yuck). Hey, it reduces tension for the ferrets... We also
get compounded meds and such to reduce flavor problems and
I am hoping that the next flavor in her pred has Warpie soaking
me less.
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> Bonding issues.
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Of what types?
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>Opinions on mental stimulations.
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Depends on the situation. Sometimes a slightly bored ferret
rests better, but if depression occurs then stimulation is very
important.. We even had one who disliked other ferrets so got
her own fish tank to watch once, and I swear that adding
Jumpstart to our mix gave Meltdown another half year when she
was terminally ill -- perked her right up which is how he got his
name. We've made "snow" by grinding ice for Warp (who loves
snow) to perk her up at times. Found tiny and light weight toys to
play with or beat up for tension release for ones with
cardiomypathy. We make "stink sacks" of edible herbs in a
paper bag tolend some interest. You get the drift.
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>Ways to make them want to thrive to get better.
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If depressed doing/giving/showing something the individual
ferret likes.
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>Other alternative ways instead of giving them the
> basic needs of food, water, meds, and clean husbandry.
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Well, it's good husbandry, but no climbing after surgery...
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> I am helping rehabilitate some sick ferrets. I have noticed
>somethings. I wanted to see if others have common
>experiences. I have had positive success so far. Unfortuantely,
>when they starting eating on their own I take them
> back and get another.