From:
"Jeff"
Date: 2007-12-26 17:49:52 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Mouth Ulcer
To: <ferretsnluv@aol.com>
Ulcers are often a side effect of other stresses on the ferret's body. They usually occur in the digestive tract, but we've seen them in the mouth also. That, coupled with 'bad teeth', could make Albee hesitant to eat kibble at all because of the severe pain.
You might try mixing the baby food with a little water and a little Ferretone and heating slightly in the microwave (10-15 seconds). The increased aroma usually gets them more interested in eating it. Also, when you do try to give him kibble, send it through a food processor or blender first to break it down into smaller pieces.
Another suggestion, and a strong one, is to get his teeth checked and cleaned. You may find that he also has loose teeth that are contributing to his discomfort and possibly causing the mouth ulcers. We recently had a canine tooth and 3 smaller teeth removed from one of our ferrets that we got from a shelter earlier this year. We did our best to clean them regularly, but she came to us with a very bad dental condition. Probably due to a bad diet before she made it to the shelter, along with being over-caged and trying to chew thru bars. At least that's what the vet believes caused her problems. So, she is missing many teeth now, but the ones she has are clean and strong. The vet also scaled the remaining teeth and treated her gums while she was under anesthesia for the removal of the other teeth. She is doing much better now without the loose and rotting teeth.
Gum disease could also contribute to the ulcers in the mouth, and this might clear up after a dental visit to the vet.
Good luck,
Jeff
In Memory of Neo
Caring for Trinny, Morphy, Baby Girl, and Luna
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