From:
Angela Espinet
Date: 2003-07-30 03:06:37 UTC
Subject: Regarding large rescue health issues!
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <20030730030637.26717.qmail@web21411.mail.yahoo.com>
When we rescued 78 ferrets a number of years ago,
practically all of them were starving. They had been
kept in 'horse troughs' in a boiling hot Florida
warehouse, being hosed down and thrown dog food, for
who knows how long?
I looked at the photos of the large rescue(just
made) and noted that the ferrets, although kept in
deplorable conditions, did not appear to be starving,
but I am sure that from the lack of fresh air and
being in an 'ammonia' filled environment, that there
might be some real health issues involved, not to
mention the filth from the mice.
I agree, with Alicia 100%, that vaccinations should
be withheld for sometime until each ferret has had
it's health status evaluated. In fact I cringed to
think that vaccinations on unwell, or stressed animals
would be given. Surely it would be best to observe
under clean, comfortable conditions, the actions of
each ferret for several weeks, such as eating,
drinking, defecating, habits and personality quirks to
assess health.
Not all is apparent in the beginning, although I am
sure that some need immediate medical care. This does
not include spaying and neutering, if those intact are
kept in seperate housing, no need to rush, unless of
course a female is in heat!
Generally just the change in environment will
create stress in itself and therefore help will be
needed with such a large group. Sort out those who
will be more likely to suffer under this stressful
change and perhaps they could go to homes where they
could be kept in a quiet place, undisturbed by the
commotions of housing a large group together. Surely
there are available some foster homes with experienced
ferret owners out there?
The younger more vibrant ferrets will adapt to the
change quickly, but still need monitoring daily and
CONFINED as the others, until any illness or disease
surfaces. Probably some random checks for 'worms'
would be a good start. Earmites and mange, from dirty
surroundings would be the most obvious things to look
for. However respiratory problems may surface in a few
days, not only from the amonnia, but the change in
environment and temperature.
Whatever the outcome, personally a good clean
comfortable cage in a quiet and loving environment
would be the order of the day, as each ferret is given
the time to flourish and show it's true
colors--Angela.
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