From:
bonny@mindgardens.com
Date: 2003-04-08 21:52:14 UTC
Subject: Hypoallergenic Diet
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <30465101.1049838734899.JavaMail.root@scandium>
I just took one of my ferrets to the vet yesterday and he was put on a hypoallergenic diet comprised of Eukanuba Veterinary Diet as a preliminary effort to see if his diet might be causing some of the problems he is having. Anyway, the symptoms are on and off darkened stools (not a constant or anything), "sometimes" with a reddish tint, constant low weight (although he's gained some recently), mood irritation, coughing (like hacking), etc...
I've had an x-ray done on him to see if anything abnormal showed and everything appeared normal. A fecal was done on him and there were no parasites found or anything of that nature. He was ADV tested about six months ago (negative) but I just sent off another test just to make sure. He's had two physical examinations (palpitations) in the past week and nothing out of the ordinary. No signs of any type of blockage; everything really seems to check out normal.
One of the concerns we do have is the house we live in. It is a very old home and may potentially have lead in it, and quite likely mold spores. I don't remember having any really big problems like this with him until we moved here.
Anyway, what I need to know is if there is anything more preferable for a ferret diet that is in kibble form as the Eukanuba is can food ...or... if there there is any easier way of doing this.... and overall, what your thoughts and suggestions on this whole diet might be.
So far, Taffy really despises the Eukanuba and refuses to eat it, even mixed with his favorite, Gerbers Chicken. The vet said she is trying to take him completely off of anything that is in his regular diet for 8 weeks and then gradually start giving him back his normal foods to see which food might be causing the irritation. She said that if I can find baby food with lamb meat, I can add that to his new diet, however, so far, I haven't found any. The Eukanuba, as I'm sure you know, is comprised of Lamb meats as well. I really appreciate any help I can get! :)
Thanks!
Bonny