From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2007-12-25 18:49:08 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] toxicity of vapor rubs (NOT a safe deterrent to gnawing on objects)
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I had to look this info up for someone on a different list.
<http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_ask_peoplemedicine&s_state=vicks
>
Here is part of an answer in relation to a large dog (Ferrets are
descended from the "dog branch" of Carnivora.):
> Many topical vapor products contain essential oils such as camphor
> and eucalyptus, which have the potential to produce gastrointestinal
> upset and central nervous system depression. And if this product
> were aspirated or inhaled in large enough quantities, respiratory
> irritation and pneumonia could result.
You would have to call Animal Poison Control to see if it would be
poisonous to ferrets.
Check also w Vicks itself:
http://www.vicks.com/vaporub.php
Camphor Poisoning:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002566.htm
Including:
>Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
> Symptoms Return to top
>
> Twitching facial muscles
> Muscle spasms
> Excessive thirst
> Convulsions
> Rigid muscles
> Slow breathing
> Burning of the mouth or the throat
> Skin irritation
> Abdominal pain
> Nausea and vomiting
> Rapid pulse
> Restlessness or agitation
> Unusual behavior
> Unconsciousness
> Home Care Return to top
>
> Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless
> told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.
>
Menthol, too, can be poisonous.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002673.htm
> Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
> Symptoms
>
> Bladder and kidneys
> Blood in the urine
> No urine output
> Lungs
> Shallow breathing
> Rapid breathing
> Gastrointestinal
> Abdominal pain
> Diarrhea
> Nausea
> Vomiting
> Heart and blood
> Rapid heartbeat
> Nervous system
> Unconsciousness
> Dizziness
> Convulsions
> Home Care
>
> If the menthol is in ointment/cream form, wipe away any that remains
> on the skin's surface. Call Poison Control for further guidance.
> Seek immediate emergency medical care.
>
Heart inflammation from camphor:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/660774471q062598/
Includes a Camphor toxicity article:
http://www.veterinarywatch.com/Medline4.htm
<http://www.nzymes.com/Articles/pet_poisoning_dog_poisoning_cat_poisoning.htm
>
http://www.drugs.com/enc/camphor-overdose.html
I don't have time to seek more deeply for you.
(If you don't mean the vaporub, some other of their products contain
Acetaminophen which can destroy a ferret's liver in even tiny amounts.)
Poison Control and helpful poisoning prevention references:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control:
http://www.napcc.aspca.org
Angell Memorial's ASPCA Poison Control:
http://www.mspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=poisoncontrolhotline_pagewrapperlanding
Poisons to avoid:
http://www.avonvets.co.uk/2ndyr_hands/Poisons.html
Poisonous plants with photos to help identify after an incident:
http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/index.html
Also, do not use adult human toothpaste due to the fluoride (something
that was not known when we first had ferrets though I never heard of
any problems till at least 5 to 10 years later -- which might simply
mean that the risk was not known and missed if cumulative).
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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