Message Number: SG4159 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Sukie Crandall
Date: 2003-04-22 02:49:25 UTC
Subject: Re: Does anyone medicate post surgery?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <a05210601baca5dd25c3c@[10.0.1.22]>

Dr. Williams is a veterinary pathologist; it seems that perhaps you
may not realize this -- different specialty focus.

We wind up medicating most but not all. Usually, the vets give Amoxi
post-op for the large surgeries in our ferret family, though some
(such as amputees, some of whom have problems healing) may get two
antibiotics, one for aerobic and one for anaerobic bacteria.

On this let your ferret vet decide, but if things change for the
worse discuss the factors, including any post-op medications with the
vet in a timely fashion. The treating vet will know the individual
and the nuances of the specific case and conditions that those who
aren't right there will not. Also, of course, okay any treatment
with the vet beforehand. You'd be shocked to know that there are
those who have given aspirin (causing internal bleeding) after
surgery, or Tylenol (causing liver failure) after surgery figuring
that such things would make the individual animal more comfortable.
I've heard similar horror stories on and off with "natural"
approaches.

Don't let a post op ferret climb, don't use standard litters to
reduce dirtying the incision, etc.

--Sukie