From:
jessie1508@yahoo.com
Date: 2005-04-15 18:48:58 UTC
Subject: Teeth cleaning in older ferrets
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <6798666.1113590938968.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Soleil: Female
Age: 6.5 years old ferret
Weight: 2 - 2.5 lbs.
Surgeries: Two adrenalectomies: Feb 2003 - right gland removal; Nov 2003 - =
left gland removal (not entire gland, as vena cava intact)
Her last annual physical and vaccinations: Feb 2005 - all normal with the e=
xception of some gingivitis
Her vet suggested administering antibiotics for the gingivitis 2 x day for =
10-days (the pink stuff), hoping that the inflammation would reduce. The i=
nflammation has continued, and I am confused. The next step suggested step=
by her vet is to give Soleil a whiff of
anesthesia to draw blood and an additional physical. If all comes back nor=
mal (including the $150 fee), then the following step is cleaning Soleil's =
teeth, which, as I understand, can be up to 30 minutes of anesthesia for th=
e procedure (for a $100 fee additionally).
I have spoke with Soleil=92s previous vet (out of state) and she does not r=
ecommend a ferret of her age under anesthesia for such a long time. In add=
ition, I have not found any vets in the area (Atlanta, GA) that will do a =93=
quickie dental=94 (=93sedate with standard
pre-anesthetic drugs, then one person holds the ferret upright by the scruf=
f
and another uses the ultrasonic cleaner to clean the teeth. It's not as
thorough a job as you can get with anesthesia, but it works well for most f=
errets.=94)
Therefore=85 my question--- Has anyone had success with any other remedie=
s? I started brushing her teething about 3 weeks ago (not done in the past=
), which seems to help a bit, but not enough. Any thoughts or suggestions =
at all would be very welcoming!
Thank you!
=
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