Message Number: SG5210 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "katharine"
Date: 2003-07-05 00:03:44 UTC
Subject: Vaccinations/Licking Behavior
To: "FerretHeathList" <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <001701c34288$e73fcf10$dd102cc7@D1CW2811>

Two issues, one ferret. Charley was found wandering the streets about 3 we=
eks ago. He was turned over to another person who kept him for two weeks. =
He was turned over to me about a week ago. Charley is very obviously adre=
nal. He had bites on his feet (ants?), very dirty ears, very long nails, a=
nd it took 3 baths to get him clean. He also has very rough skin and is ne=
arly totally naked. I'm thinking he possibly got a touch of sunburn out wa=
ndering the streets with no fur.

Charley is an obsessive licker. If he is anywhere near me (or anyone else)=
, or if I'm holding him, he licks non-stop. He doesn't prefer any particul=
ar body part. Anything will do. If I'm standing, he'll stand next to me a=
nd lick my legs, etc. Any clues what this behavior might mean? Does it in=
dicate some deficiency or is it behavioral? I'd like to think that he's et=
ernally grateful that I took him in, but I know that's not the case. LOL

Someone on another list made a statement that they would never vaccinate an=
adrenal ferret. I have taken in a number of adrenal ferrets and I have al=
ways gotten their vaccinations up-to-date, and a CBC and chem panel, prior =
to the adrenal surgery. I believe I once read that animals should be curre=
nt on vaccinations prior to surgery, if at all possible. I'm not talking a=
bout an obviously ill animal. I know they shouldn't be vaccinated. What i=
s the thinking on this? Is it proper to vaccinate prior to surgery? =

Katharine

End of ferrethealth Digest
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