Message Number: YG11478 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Ferretwise
Date: 2002-02-25 18:35:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Ferret won't eat his food anymore

>I have a ferret who recently swallowed a tablet of ibuprofin. To make a
>long story short, we spent all night at the emergency vet and he made it past
>getting the stuff out of his system. My problem is that since then, he won't
>touch his food. I've tried everything. He will eat a little banana, some
>carrot and raisins.



It is imperative your ferret EAT if it is to survive. The Ibuprofen has
most likely caused severe liver damage. Livers can heal BUT it must have
food to help filter out poison and give the animal strength to
repair. Without forcing foods there is little chance your ferret will
recover. Yes chicken baby food would be a good start here-- I doubt highly
if nutrical will be appealing as the fatty content will make the ferret
more nauseous.

sub q fluids if necessary and forced feedings of gruel or chicken baby food
are where you want to be every 2 hours.

Also inquire as to whether viakase, or other liver suppliment might be
helpful in the jump start to healing process.

Best wishes
Alicia at Ferret Wise
www.ferretwise.org