Message Number: YG13634 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Roger Vaughn
Date: 2002-06-07 11:31:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Constant groin licking?&how to use a glucose test on
thick skin

> we got him. Since we have had him he has always licked his groin
> to the point it looked brused &/or scabbed. The vet we have has

I don't know about this in ferrets, but I have a cat that does this.
It's fairly easy for them to develop staph infections like this (as you
are no doubt well aware by now), as well as getting frequent furballs.

Itching, especially on the belly, is how animals often show signs of
allergies - they don't get the sinus problems like we do. It could be
that he is allergic to something in his environment or even to
something in his food. Have you tried alternate carpet cleaners,
detergents, and diets with him? It's worth a shot.

This can also be caused by anxiety, at least in other animals. After
going through all the allergy hoops with my cat, with no good results,
we finally put her on a small dose of Elavil (amitriptyline). As well
as being an anti-depressant, this also has an antihistamine effect.

The Elavil has helped my cat. She hasn't stopped licking completely,
but she licks a much smaller patch now, and no longer licks it to the
point of infection.

Perhaps this would help your ferret, too.

I am not a vet.

Roger & the Fibonacci Ferts