From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2007-09-08 22:39:18 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: cleaning teeth w/defective jaw
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
As Clover knows, ferrets like the one who joined her
household who have neural crest genetic abnormalities
(Her little one has a head blaze.) sometimes have jaw
malformations that prevent their mouths from opening
fully. That isn't one of the most commonly talked about
problems so probably a bit rare. I am sure there can be
other causes, possibly including other genetic ones, esp
since someone mentions problems in angoras in past
posts found in F-G.
She is right, this really raises questions of whether these
ferrets would be hard to intubate for surgery, and it raises
questions about dental care, both at-home care and at vet
care.
If a soft diet has to be used that worsens the risk of dental
and gum problems, and inability to open the mouth fully
could increase the risk of injury from bones in the diet.
Should the ferret be able to chew Foamy Fries of Cheweasels
those would help keep the teeth clean.
If there isn't room for a little finger with gauze wrapped
around it then a cotton swab with veterinary enzymatic
toothpaste or veterinary dental rinse could help.
Please, if people who have had ferrets whose jaws can not
open fully would post their tips and if vets could venture
some professional advice, it would really help those who
wind up with little ones who have this malformation.
Just in case they can help or the people who posted might
have any tricks which might help (when contacted directly)
here are some past posts that sound relevant:
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG5487
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG5550
This looks helpful for part of your concerns:
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG5561
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG5576
http://listserv.ferretmailinglist.org/SCRIPTS/WA-FERRET.EXE?A2=ind9910&L=FERRET-
SEARCH&P=R7559
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Genetics/message/4014
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Genetics/message/3706
This introduces the idea that for some the jaw might be okay but the mouth may be
smaller. Certainly, that is among possibilities for some:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Genetics/message/3521
There really isn't much out there it appears.
Does anyone know of other resources for this specific
ferret health concern?
Sukie (not a vet)
Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html
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