From:
"Jeff"
Date: 2007-09-20 11:17:57 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Re: I'm worried about my girl
To: <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
Amy:
You should get her on the prednisolone LIQUID, not tablets, and break the dosage up into 3 equal amounts, given 8 hours apart.
Teeth grinding is a clear sign of PAIN, usually ulcers, which are being aggravated when she tries to eat. Thus, she doesn't want to eat. They can be cured by Amoxicillin for 4 weeks, along with Carafate 20 minutes before all meals, and Pepcid given twice daily. The Carafate and Pepcid should continue for 10 weeks, in my opinion, but consult your vet about this.
The Amoxicillin helps kill the excess bacteria causing the ulcers. The Carafate coats and 'patches' the ulcers before feedings to allow her to eat pain-free. The Pepcid reduces the excess acid caused by the ulcers, which can be painful. I had excellent success using Pepcid AC tablets when fighting ulcers with our ferret Neo, who also had both insulinoma AND ulcers. It kept his stomach calm and his appetite normal. Here is what I did:
Take one 10 mg Pepcid AC tablet and dissolve in 4.0 ml of water (I used distilled water). I then administered 0.25 ml of this solution twice daily. That is the equivalent of 1/8 of a tablet daily, or 1.25 mg of the active ingredient Famotidine daily. You have to shake the container briskly each time before drawing the 0.25 ml because there is some settling of the dissolved tablet. We gave him this in conjunction with carafate, and continued this after 4 weeks of amoxicillin. His ulcers were cured in about 10 weeks.
As for food, try mixing some of Uncle Jim's Duk Soup Mix with some of her kibble that has been ground up in a blender or food processor. Add some Ferretvite and Ferretone, add some water, and heat SLIGHTLY in the microwave, about 10 seconds. This causes the aroma to become strong, which usually gets them to want to eat more. If she is initially against trying the soup, rub some on her gums with your finger. This will usually get them used to the taste, after which she should like the soup.
Amy, your girl is NOT TOO FAR GONE!!! But, you must act quickly to get her on the correct medicine regimine of Prednisolone liquid, Amoxicillin, Carafate, and Pepcid. Then be diligent in administering her meds at regular intervals during the day, as well as giving her food regularly thru the day. But, YOU HAVE NO TIME TO WASTE. You must get this going TODAY or she could go into seizures or become dehydrated from not eating or drinking, both of which could cause death.
Jeff
Remembering Neo
Caring for Trinny, Morphy, and Baby Girl
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