From:
"possum1213"
Date: 2007-01-19 12:42:36 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Skin and Bones
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, gengroups@... wrote:
> We are giving him a half tea spoon of Ferri-Vite and 1-CC of Duck
soup with know noticeable improvement.>
First of all, a 1/2t of Ferret-Vite and 1cc of soup wouldn't give a
flea enough to keep it alive!
If he were mine, I would start him on hand feedings 3-4 times per
day. If he will eat from a bowl, while in your lap, that would be
good. Measure how much you are feeding and if he doesn't eat enough,
you might need to go to syringe feeding.
Start him on a bland diet. Mix 1 can of A/D (available from your vet)
and 1 jar of meat baby food (veal, lamb, etc.), and add enough water
to make it soupy. Mix with a hand mixer and warm before feeding. I
would try to get him to eat 30-40cc each feeding. If you can get that
much into him 3-4 times a day, he should start gaining weight. He
needs to get 120-140cc daily to see any weight gain, assuming he's not
eating at all on his own. You may have to start with a lesser amount
and more frequent feedings. If he isn't already used to this mix, you
may have to entice him by letting him lick it off your finger. I have
never had a ferret who wouldn't eat this very willingly after only 2-3
attempts.
Gradually add to this mix as he improves. Soften his kibble and add it
in (you will probably need to use a blender). At this point, you
could probably drop the baby food, but continue using the A/D. You
can add some Carnivore Care powder or Dyne for added nutrients and
vitamins. If he's dehydrated at all, use Pedialyte instead of water.
If your vet hasn't found anything significant, he may just need a
boost to get him eating again. I have had ferrets lose significant
weight for no known reason and have been able to get the weight back
on with hand feedings. Often, that's all it takes and they will keep
the weight on, gradually going back to eating on their own.
Katharine
Florida
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