From:
"Roger Vaughn"
Date: 2003-03-05 16:59:37 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Carafate vs Pepto
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <49678.192.168.132.35.1046883577.squirrel@mail.seaconinc.com>
Tiffany,
Oh, I see where you're coming from. The amoxi is the one that
actually kills bacteria. Flagyl is actually an anti-parasitic, but is
also supposed to aid the amoxi in destroying the helicobacter
bacterium. Biaxin is often used in place of Flagyl these days, and is
an antibiotic itself, like the amoxi. The Pepto is in the mix to calm
the stomach pain that ulcers cause. Because it coats the entire
stomach, it may protect ulcers somewhat as well. Carafate isn't known
for calming the stomach, but does coat the ulcers so that they can
heal faster. That coating also aids in pain reduction by preventing
stomach acids from attacking the ulcers.
I haven't heard of mixing Pepto with food. I'm NOT an expert by far,
but I wouldn't think it would be a good idea - that may interfere with
the Pepto's ability to coat the stomach, which you especially want to
have happen before food and the stomach acid to digest it arrive.
Please don't take that as your answer though - perhaps one of the vets
here or your vet may know more.
Pepto is available in tablet form these days, too. I don't know if
anyone has tried to feed those (broken up of course) to a ferret.
It's possible that you may have more success with those than with the
liquid. It might not hurt to coat the tablet bits with a little
Nutrical to help them go down. (I like Nutrimalt for this, since it
doesn't contain the simple sugars that most others do.)
Also, the way I understand it, Carafate will help an upset stomach
only if the upset is caused by ulcers. I don't think it will help
much if ulcers aren't present. The thing to remember about Carafate,
though, is that it is very safe, and the body will simply expel what
it doesn't need. In other words, it won't hurt to give it to Oscar
anyway. If he HAS ulcers, it will help. If not, it won't do any
harm, except perhaps to your wallet.
Just reasoning this out - this is NOT a medical opinion - I would
think that you could give the Carafate first to bandage the ulcers,
then Pepto a few minutes later (if it's possible at all) to coat the
entire stomach lining.
You're doing a good job. I'm sorry to hear you're so tired, but it
shows how committed you are to Oscar's health. Keep it up; we're
proud of you and we're rooting for Oscar's recovery.
roger & the wolverine wannbees
missing bear