From:
"M. and M. FitzPatrick"
Date: 2005-08-19 15:50:33 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] dental health - anesthesia
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <18291494.1124466802549.JavaMail.nobody@vanadium.smartgroups.com>
Thank you to the moderator for allowing me to express
my opinion on Ketamine vs. Gas anesthesia ...
Two years ago we had a five-year-old boy named Sasha
who was perfectly healthy, but developed a couple of
non-cancerous histamine tumors which the vet gave us
meds for. We were told he could have them removed, but
it wasn't a threat to his health. We opted for
surgery.
For nearly two weeks after surgery he wobbled around
like he was still recovering from anesthesia then died
in his sleep. We were stunned. He had been perfectly
healthy and active before the surgery.
Upon relating this info to an Absynnian cat breeder
friend, she gave us a packet of info on Ketamine, an
intravenous anesthesia, that warned of the potential
for severe consequences from its use.
The info stated that Ketamine was the easiest method
for a vet to use because gas required applying the
gas, working a little, then re-applying the gas,
repeatedly, throughout a procedure.
My understanding is the Ketamine possibly never fully
leaves the system. It was also theorized the Ketamine
only IMMOBOLIZED the ferret, but that the animal is
likely still fully aware of what is going on! (I also
understand it has a psychedelic quality, which is why
some drug abusers have recently begun looking for it
as a "high".)
With the last teeth cleaning I had done I demanded
gas, not Ketamine. The vet said she would "try" and I
insisted if they could not do it with gas I would find
a vet that would. She relented, used gas, and my
little boy came out fine. She had no trouble cleaning
his teeth using the gas.
In addition, the recovery time from gas, compared to
Ketamine, is VERY short. Our kids who have awakend
from gas are nearly immediately ready to romp.
This is JUST MY OPINION, but it based on personal
observations and the additional info I read.
Yes, it is far easier on your vet, but may not be
easier on your ferret.
Michael
Ferret Shelter Northwest