From:
dr_bruce_williams
Date: 2002-02-06 21:03:00 UTC
Subject: Re: ferrets with virus
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Don Dittman" <ddittman@c...> wrote:
> My husband brought home a virus which is quickly spreading thru my
ferrets. If the symptoms are the same with them, they have
congestion, sore throat, aches and pains. They do not want to eat and
are wheezing and sneezing. My vet put them on amoxicilliin but since
it is a virus this is only providing protection against secondary
infections. Two of my ferrets already have serious health prob.
kidney prob. and lymphoma. I've been giving them duck soup but they
do not have any appetite and I have to coax and spoon feed. Anything
I can do to relieve some of the symptoms? Is tylenol safe and what
dosage if so?
Dear Laurel:
I'm so happy you asked - Tylenol is extremely toxic to ferrets and
other pet species, and only a small amount will wipe out their liver.
Influenza can be spread to ferrets from their human owners, and back
again to other human members of the household. However, the best
treatment is lots of TLC, good food and water, and if they get really
congested, some itme in a stemy bathroom. I am always hesitant to
prescribe an OTC human medications due to the fact that so many
contain tylenol or other anti-inflammatories that may cause extreme
harm.
As long as you can get the food into them, let's stick with that
plan. The flu is no more fatal in ferrets than in humans - it just
sticks around a little longer.
With kindest regards,
bruce williams dvm