From:
"Sue Liszewski"
Date: 2003-10-23 05:50:31 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Dr.Sue.. re:hairballs
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <LAW12-F30DEEbRQwGF500001d90@hotmail.com>
I have had a few that owners just can't swing surgery and the ferret will
eat and doesn't seem incredibly painful. These are the ferrets that I
usually use enzymes with. Yes most are over the counter. I combine Prozyme
(which are similar pancreatic enzymes this one is an animal product) with
Papaya and Pinapple Enzymes (Papain and Bromelain) these are human products.
I use a combination product that is chewable and crush it in. Sometimes
they will even eat it. I usu just play the doses by size of container. I
typically mix up a gruel (any syringable dite will do) withe the enzymes
then add a bit of mineral oil (you can probably use about a 1/2 teasp or
3cc) twice a day. The enzymes help to break down the hair some and allow
the smaller pieces to pass, the mineral oil acts as a laxative to move it
out. You can supplement their normal diet with some of the mixture 2-3
times per day. This is not a guarentee and if you believe any of the signs
are worse instead of better get her to the vet. No literature though this
one is strictly something I have tried when I have no other options and have
seen it work, it is sort of a carry over for what I do in rabbits since they
don't do so well with gastric and GI surgery.. Be sure your guy wants to
eat, is pooping okay, is not vomiting. Moniter their weight. If everything
goes will they should act better and gain weight. Some are far too advance
for this to work so it depends on the individual cause. I generally
recommend for all ferrets fur ball remedy for prevention daily to every
other day at a minimum. Some hairballs get so dense it is really difficult.
Ans to prove age is not a factor I had a 10month old present with the signs
of a foreign body obstruction and it turned out to be a furball in the small
intestine that just could not make it thru. They are not just found in the
stomach. Also remember that gastric ulcers are often an accompanying
problem and should be addressed especially in the beginning. I hope this
helps. Let me know if you have questions.
Another note, can still give the fur ball remedy just not at the same time
you feed them or give them medication, either 2hours before or 2-3 hours
after is okay, because it could inhibit absorption of these things.
Susan Liszewski DVM
>From: yvon358@netzero.net
>Reply-To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>Subject: [ferrethealth] Dr.Sue.. re:hairballs
>Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2003 01:19:46 GMT
>
>
>
>Dr. Sue wrote recently of possibly dissolving hairballs with enzymes. Did
>I remember correctly? In what instance(s) would this treatment be
>appropriate? Is there something OTC? Where can I learn more about this?
>
>All help is greatly appreciated. I'm not sure how many surgeries I can put
>my "fuzz-eater" through.
>
>Thanks,
>
>-Y-
>
>
>--
>If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
>visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
>
>To leave the group, email: ferrethealth-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com
_________________________________________________________________
Enjoy MSN 8 patented spam control and more with MSN 8 Dial-up Internet
Service. Try it FREE for one month! http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/dialup
End of ferrethealth Digest
***********************************