From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2004-06-06 03:51:42 UTC
Subject: RE: my babies have colds....
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <18038.1086493902988.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Okay, 2 points and what may help:
The first is that you have to be very careful about over the couner meds because come are very dangerous for ferrets even though they are safe for humans.
The second is that ferrets do not get colds. True colds are caused by rhinoviruses which ferrets don't get.
Ferrets do get bacterial sinus infections, and they can trade some of these back and forth with humans.
Ferrets sometimes have problems with allergies.
Ferrets at times wind up with dust up their noses (but this doesn't sound like that is something going on here). They also may have problems in that regard with some dusty clay litters.
Cedar litters irritate their respiratory tracts and needs to be carefully avoided. Some are allergic to pine, a problem which doesn't sound very common but can be severe (even with anaphylactic reactions) when it happens.
Ferrets get Influenza A strains.
Ferrets can get pneunmonia.
Etc.
It is important with coughing that is unusual, marked or persistent to have lung x-rays done because ferrets can have very serious lung infections be hidden.
If there is a sinus infection or a lung infection the veterinarian will give appropraite antibiotics.
The careful use of steam often helps ferrets with respiratory problems, with so many ill, though, it really sounds like you must get them to a vet.
Author wrote:
> what can i do for them?? i have 2 that have a cough and 3 that are
> sneezing.....right now cant afford to take them to the vet since i just took 2 up and
> next weekend taking 5 for shots...UGH!!! is there anything i can give them to
> help them thru the cold?? anything extra i should do for them?? first time i
> have had to deal with this.....
> TIA
> Buffy