From:
Linda Iroff
Date: 2005-05-11 13:03:30 UTC
Subject: vitamin A toxicity
To: Ferret Health List <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-id: <6C24F422-CF4C-4CC1-9542-52F77F553105@mac.com>
> Vitamin A toxicity has yet to be documented in ferrets
Not documented is not the same as non-existent!
In the past (maybe 10 years ago?), Ferretone had a much higher
concentration of Vitamin A than now, and there was some concern that
when given at the recommended dose on the bottle, toxicity could
result. As a fat soluble vitamin, A can build up in the body over time.
I knew of a situation where a woman was giving her ferret the full
recommended dose of Ferretone daily. He became lethargic and his coat
became coarse (I don't recall the other symptoms). After a week or
more at the vets for extensive testing that found nothing, he became
better on his own. He went home, was given Ferretone again, and
slowly worsened. When the Ferretone was stopped, he got better again!
But unless you are giving a double dose of Ferretone daily, problems
are unlikely now with the lower concentrations.
Linda Iroff