From:
<grape_apes@charter.net>
Date: 2007-06-06 17:17:35 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] RE: Rice bag burns
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
It IS possible for these to be burns from the rice bags. Rice does not always heat evenly-some parts can feel fine to the touch, while others can be scalding hot. A better choice for heating for tiny animals (assuming they also have a well-controlled heated surgery table) would be bags of fluids (i.e. LRS) that have been heated to reasonable tempelratuires and sloshed around well (change them as needed, as they can cool down and actually make the pet colder); another great option is a water-heating pad for animals (regualr heating pads can also be dangerously hot for pets), or a Bair Hugger, which is a machine that hooks up to a cloth/disposable "blanket" that fills with air-a small Bair Hugger blanket can be manipulated around the sides of the ferret.
My surgeon is very down on the idea of using heated rice or bean bags due to uneven heating, and we have seen burns on ferrets from others using them and from regular people heating pads. We use special veterinary pads and always keep a cloth between the patient and the pad to avoid burns. Flipping the recumbent patient over frequently helps, too (and also promotes better circulation and keeps fluids from pooling on one side or another in the body and lungs).
Best,
April (vet tech and ferret owner)
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