Message Number: YG11164 | New FHL Archives Search
From: dr_bruce_williams
Date: 2002-02-17 23:20:00 UTC
Subject: Re: tagament dosage

--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "dorinnek" <dorre@a...> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I have a question on the over the counter medicine tagament, I was
> under the impression that it was the same as carafate, which my
Toby is
> taking now. I was wondering if I could by this at the drug store
and
> give him it. I donot know how much of a pill he would get or even
what
> kind I should buy to give to him.
>
> Just trying to save a little money with the many meds he is taking
for
> possible ulcers. If anyone can give me instructions and dosage on
it or
> if I can even give it to him I would greatly appreciate it


Dear Dorie:

I generally advice against the use of tagamet in middle-aged
ferrets. Many of these animals have advanced Helicobacter (which
could be contributing to the development of ulcers.) The long-term
effect of Helicobacter is damage to the acid-secreting cells of the
stomach, and an overally increase of the pH of the stomach. These
changes culminate in difficulty in digesting food, and the use of
tagamet only worsens this problem.

the use of carafate at 75 mg/lb 10 minutes before every meal, coupled
with a bland, highly-digestible diet is the best way to go in most
cases of ulcers.

With kindest regards,

Bruce Williams, dVM