From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2004-08-30 18:54:40 UTC
Subject: RE: Marshall vs. Other
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <1987222.1093892080203.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Although, as the rules say, we are not a "Consumer Reports" at the FHL I can tell you that in regard to your question there isn't really any need to be.
We have had ferrets in the family for 23 years, from a range of sources. Over all when looking at groups by source, the health of the ferrets has not varied much from source to source, and most live to the late 7th to mid 8th year no matter what the origin. Some sources do seem to have their own specific things which come up more often than in ones from elsewhere, but that is true for a range of sources.
For standard ferret problems like adrenal neoplasia and insulinoma we have seen no difference at all in rates among sources and suspect that living conditions (like enough darkness, enough medical care, not giving a lot of starches, etc.). With adoptees I think you have to assume that they might not have had the right care they needed, either medically or in their earlier homes.
I am sure that we could have longer lived ones if we only got ferrets from breeders with well documented lines in terms of health and in terms of longevity whose lines showed many with longer life spans, but we have not been in that position. Such complete health and lifespan record keeping (including keeping up on as many sold ferrets as possible) simply has not been a priority for the breeders we've specifically asked around here (certainly not all), and we also have a history of often taking a number of ferrets who have troubles.
You wrote:
> First, I recently adopted 2 little fuzzies from the animal shelter. When I got them >they both had bald spots on their tails. The hair is all back now, but if you move >the hair on the tail it is like black specs. I was told to use an acne shampoo on the >tails only. How often do I do this?
Honestly, I don't remember. Sorry. When the tail only is invovled there is a good chance that the problem is only dermal, but DO keep in mind that it can be an early sign of adrenal neoplasia in some do watch for other possible signs.
You wrote:
> Second I have another little girl that has adrenal problems. Someone who didn't >want her anymore gave her to me, and by the time I found out the vet did not >recommend surgery for numerous reasons.
If there are health reasons to not do the surgery then DO use Lupron and melatonin. You can find a great deal about the use of these by going to
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org
(The Complete FHL Archives)
and reading the posts on these topics which come form two addresses:
AFERRETVET
and
mjanke
>when is it time to say good-bye in a humane way?
Let her decide. When she gives up on life and no longer will eat or acts in pain then it is time.