From:
"queenienyc2000"
Date: 2008-04-16 23:54:08 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Ferret has coughing/wheezing fits
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I too have a ferret that had these perplexing coughing jags. This
little guy was in the ferret pen at the pet store where I work and
would almost convulse in his little coughing fits. I took him
several times over several weeks to our exotics vet. The vet had
also never "seen" anything like this. All his tests, x-rays, etc.
were perfectly normal. He looked great, acted great, ate great,
pooped great, but he coughed great too... Almost gurgling. The vet
did consult with a famous ferret doctor who suggested it may be
asthma or allergies and to try the depo-medrol shot (antibiotics did
not work), as this type of cortisone helps cats with asthma. He did
great for about a week, then the shot wore off. The store could not
sell a "special needs" ferret, so naturally I had to save him from
an untimely demise.
I'm not comfortable shooting my little dooker full of cortisone shots
so I decided to go the homeopathic route with some essential oils
(hates this) for breathing and infrequent small doses of OTC allergy
meds (loves this in duck soup). I'm proud to say that two years
later Slick is still happy and healthy. He had improved so much that
last July he was able to get a little buddy. Now when he coughs, his
buddy, Pookie, will lay flat and let Slicky-boy drape over him to
stretch his lungs. Ferret cuteness never ceases to amaze me.
It's important that I keep the dust down, and pollen season is hard
on both of us :). No commercial pet bedding... Only cotton and satin
bedding and pillows (pretty swanky and hair doesn't stick) and
newspaper in the litter box that I put through a paper shredder.
This I change a.m. and p.m. I'm fortunate that both are very
diligent about using their "bathroom".
Some say that asthma does not exist in ferrets, but I'm witness to
the results of the medical and homeopathic treatments. If it ain't
broke, don't fix it and whatever I'm doing is certainly extending
Slickie's life and quality thereof The vet didn't think he'd make it
one year, let alone over two now. I'm sure he wouldn't have if I was
shooting him full of corticosteroids!
Spoiled, crazy-cute and going strong, both my little guys rule the
household - cats and puppy included.
Please let me know how things work out with your weasel.
Dook, dook to all!
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "meowmers_11" <meowmers_11@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi, I have a two year old female ferret. She has been having
> coughing/wheezing fits since she was about 4 mos. old. When the
<SNIP>
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