From:
FHbytheSea@aol.com
Date: 2004-03-25 12:02:28 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] infected anal sacks, antibiotics or surgery?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <20079748.1080231920342.JavaMail.nobody@strontium.smartgroups.com>
In a message dated 3/24/04 11:18:15 PM Eastern Standard Time,
kbreeden@cfl.rr.com writes:
> The new vet discovered that both anal sacks were swollen and full of pus.
> The sacks were drained and a cytology and a fecal culture were ordered.
Kim
I've had two in the shelter that have had impacted scent glands and/or
remnants and what I have found is that while antibiotics help at first, the only
curative is surgery. Both ferrets did extremely well after surgery and to date
(post surgery 3+ years on both) no other problems.
I would do the surgery - yes there are risks such as making the ferret unable
to control his bowels, but a good vet knows these issues and will be able to
do the surgery. My biggest reason for doing surgery is discomfort - an ongoing
chronic infection isn't good for them and is painful.
I can't say that recovery from surgery on these two ferrets was particularly
difficult or painful - they both bounced back quickly with no complications.
Lisa Leidig, Head Ferret
Shelter Wench in good standing
The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea"
www.ferrethaven.org