From:
MHarper97@aol.com
Date: 2002-02-13 18:18:00 UTC
Subject: Yummy Ferret Meds
I have a great way of giving Flagyl to ferrets. My initial advice
will be to find a compounding pharmacy. Have your vet write/call in
the script with an exact dose...that is, "Give 37.5mg to ferret
twice daily" (or whatever the weight-calculated dosage is for your
ferret). Then, ask the compounding pharmacist to make up the
dosages in single-dose capsules. This usually doesn't cost any more
than the tablets or the liquid. At the time you are ready to give
your fuzzy his medicine, take a bottle (you can probably ask for one
from the pharmacist) that will hold liquid tight with a cap. Break
open the capsule and dump the contents in the vial. Add 1
teaspoonful of Ferretone. (This quantity is important, because more
they will not take and less isn't enough to dilute the yucky taste).
Shake VERY well. It will still look cloudy and a little clumpy,
but that's ok. Then give your ferret the entire amount.
I actually do this with all my ferrets meds, and most of them he
laps up excitedly. He is slightly tentative about the Flagyl, even
mixed this way. I just hold him on my lap gently - no scruffing,
just a gentle hand under his neck - and direct his head to the
syringe til he takes it all. This SHOULD work.
Some compounding pharmacist, not all, will actually take the
ferretone and make up a whole batch for however long you need it for
you. I don't recommend this as there has been no testing on
stability and there is no way to know for sure that the drug holds
it's potency in the ferretone over extended periods. If you have to
have it premade, please don't have more than 2 weeks at a time
mixed, and keep it in the fridge once it's mixed.
If anyone wants instructions on how to make your own meds from the
tablets, I'll be glad to help you with that as well. Or, if you
can't find a willing compounding pharmacist in your area, please let
me know and I will be glad to work something out with you.
Meredith and "Sneakers"