From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2007-01-19 17:43:37 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Cough, bordetella?
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Since you mention it "coming back" you may be dealing with separate things and this one
may simply be someone who coughs more readily when ill.
I strongly suggest the FHL Archives. This topic has been discussed before. In fact, there
are very few subjects that are not in the almost 6 years of archives at
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
which should cheer members who are seeking help. There are also health topics covered
in the Files and helpful health sites in the links at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth
Ferrets get only one of the two components of Bordetella. For example see ferret
veterinary pathology expert, Dr. Bruce Williams on this topic:
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG11643
and
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG4145
QUOTES
You are correct in that kennel cough is due to one of a number of
respiratory viruses which pave the way for later infection by
Bordetella by "knocking out" the local immune reaction.
While Bordetella can conceivably (but very rarely) infect other
mammalian species, it is generally pretty well conserved to dogs, and
poses little threat to ferrets. Ferrets are also not sensitive to
the common viral infections that facilitate kennel cough, with the
exception of one of the rarest, canine distemper.
Long story short - nothing to worry about with the current
precautions you are taking.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM
and
Kennel cough is not a real problem in ferrets, and I would not
recommend vaccinating for it. Kennel cough is a non-core vaccine in
dogs and cats, and is generally only given to those who are likley to
contract it - those in shows, being boarded, or around a lot of other
dogs or cats. It is most commonly used in dogs who board at the
vets' and only rarely in cats.
While ferrets are susceptible to one of the agents that causes kennel
cough in dogs and cats - Bordetella - I have yet to see a spontaneous
case.
END QUOTES
When there is not contagion (so not this situation -- at least the time when all coughed --
by the sounds of it) you and your vet can see if allergies are involved by trying a little plain
children's Benedryl with no added other meds. If it responds to an amount that isn't large
enough to reduce coughing just from grogginess then think allergies (though allergies
may still be present in ones needing more).
If there is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ultrasound is usually needed to find it rather than
just the x-ray that will spot dilative cardiomyopathy, and if the ferret is also losing weight,
or becoming lethargic, or having heart signs as well as the cough that test especially
should be done.
I think that an antibiotic resistant sinus infection may be among the things to consider for
this one, as should influenza for one of the bouts.
Make sure they are not using cedar and it is also best to not use pine shavings but cedar is
a really big, no-no for permanent damage.
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:ferrethealth-digest@yahoogroups.com
mailto:ferrethealth-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
ferrethealth-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/