From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2004-09-05 20:40:05 UTC
Subject: RE: New to the Grp/Need advice
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <2208256.1094416805155.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Okay, first off it is important top know that ferrets don't get colds. Colds are caused by rhinoviruses that they don't catch. (Check in such reputable resources as the past posts of veterinary patholgist, Dr. Bruce Williams, and in such texts as _Biology and Diseases of the Ferret_.)
The distinction is important, actually, because what they get can be more serious than a rhinovirus cold. For instance, they can share Influenza A types with us, and they can share some bacterial sinus infections with us. The sinus infections can be treated with antibotics (which do not work on viruses), and there is a risk with both the influenzas and the bacterial sinus infections of secondary infections forming. These can at times be serious and warrent imaging the chest.
Yes, some ferrets DO have respiratory allergies, and there have been very high pollen counts in a number of parts of the U.S. in recent weeks.
Talk with your vet about trying a trial of plain liquid Benedryl to see if the symptoms are relieved. Expect it to make the ferret groggy so you may not see the symptoms at all during sleep. See if the ferret is different when awake.
Also, talk with your vet about making sure that there is no lower respiratory infection. As the individual who has seen the ferret that vet is in the best position to know if it would pay to image the chest now or to hold off.
As usual -- I am not a vet, but am someone with 23 years of ferret experience behind me.