From:
Yvon358@aol.com
Date: 2003-06-21 17:17:13 UTC
Subject: new ferret
To: atthethreshold@earthlink.net, ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <6d.13d1830f.2c25ed19@aol.com>
Hello,
You'll probably get tons of emails.... experienced ferret owners love helping
new ferret owners. No exception here, so.....
As to the coughing... probably best checked by a ferret knowledgeable vet
(this list has a search feature for ferret vets in every area of the country).
If it's been awhile and it's constant you might want to take him in. It could
be any number of things... obstruction, infection, etc. If it's "every now
and then" he's probably OK. Since it's a guess, I think I'd rather have a vet
give an opinion.
Ferretlax doesn't necessarily need to be given on a constant basis. I give
mine laxatives when I think they've got an obstruction (watch their poops) or
during shedding season (spring and fall). Laxatives can be dehydrating....
maybe this is why he seems to drink more. Keeping them brushed daily helps keep
the hairballs down. Mine passed one so large I think it did permanent damage
to her intestine. I brush them all the time now and keep that Ferretlax on
hand.
Obstructions can kill a ferret. Often times they can't be seen on x-rays. A
ferret knowledgeable vet can read the signs/symptoms and give you options.
Sometimes it requires surgery and the vet, basically, has to "feel" his way
through the entire intestinal tract.
Mine paw at their mouths while eating when they've gotten a crunchie stuck
btwn the two upper incisors on the roof of their mouths. When you checked for
the banana chip, did you look at the roof of his mouth? Sometimes food gets
stuck there and the ferret tries to remove it by pawing at its mouth. I gave up
worrying about that a long time ago because I know they are eating when I'm
not around. Therefore, they must go through this when I'm not around and they
are all still OK. If I see it happening I'll pick it out for them, otherwise,
I guess it softens or loosens by itself. It just looks so darn scary!!!
Just a suggestion.... the food they need is either, very high quality kitten
chow (IAMS, etc.), or a reputable brand ferret food (Totally Ferret, Ferret
Store Brand online, etc.) You mentioned KayTee and something else, I wasn't
sure what the initials stood for. But... anything w/extras like banana chips is
actually bad for them. Ferrets are carnivores.... anything other than the
ingredients offered in high quality foods can be dangerous in the short term and
detrimental to their health in the long run. I know their little faces
imploring you for treats is awfully hard to resist, but banana chips not only can
cause a potentially fatal obstruction, they are too difficult for the ferret to
digest. Mine get a mix of a few different ferret foods as their staple and
small amounts of Ferretone as a treat. Every now and then I'll let them lick a
real banana for a few seconds or take just a tiny bite.
As to the couch thing. Ugh!!! I feel your pain. It's so hard to keep them
from something they are determined to get into. To keep mine out, I had to
put a plastic runner under the pillows and along the underside. I literally
nailed it down. I'm sure they must like the couch because it's where their human
friends "nest". You're his best friend and he just wants to "nest" where you
"nest."
Ferrets live by their sense of smell. It is so sensitive they've been know
to do very well totally blind. I'm guessing he just gets some dust up his nose
and those violent sneezes are his best attempt at removing it. I doubt it's
something to worry about unless it hurts him. Also, keep in mind the types of
cleaning products you use. I never use carpet sprays, Lysol sprays, etc.
because of that sensitivity. And cedar can hurt them as well. Do you have any
cedar chips around? He sounds like a typical, curious little ferret who runs
into a few dust bunnies now and then.
Dooking.... Mine don't dook as much as they used to. I miss it as well....
I'm not really sure why they've stopped. But, as long as they seem happy, I'm
happy.
I can't speak to the weight gain issue. It does seem like a pretty quick
weight gain. But, a 2 1/2 LB ferret isn't unusual (especially a male). As long
as he gets enough exercise, he's probably fine. Hopefully, someone more
experienced than I, can help you.
All of us have gone through the exact things you are going through. You
sound like an excellent ferret Mom. The only way to learn is to ask.... I wish
I'd have known about the health list when I had my first ferret. I've learned
so much. And, if I've given incorrect information, I hope someone will correct
me. I am certainly not the most experienced on the list but thought I'd
offer a few thoughts. Hope it helps.
If you need anything, feel free to write privately. Best wishes w/your
little one.
-Y-
yvon358@aol.com