From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2008-06-13 04:52:00 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Lethargic ferret
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Well, we all already know that in fact this ferret appears to have an infection
and is now running a 105'F fever. A virus is suspected. Among the types
of viruses ferrets can get is influenza, BTW.
Still, this seems to have taken on a life of its own as a discussion of cooling
methods. Ferrets don't sweat like humans do so using a fan has minimal
effect BUT there is a different trick that can be done with or without a fan,
and that is evaporative cooling. It's best to close off the room in which it
is being done and of course close the window shades and turn off
appliances. You may even want to unplug tvs and set boxes for tvs since
they use up a lot of energy constantly to retain their programing (a design
defect which could be overcome easily) and to have instant-on instead of
taking 10 to 30 seconds to turn on which is a kind of silly bit of spoiling
for the energy it wastes (and for summers also the heat it creates). That
energy use also means more heating from them.
Now, cover the cage with dampened clothes such as sheeting. Evaporating
water pulls a decent bit of heat from the environs and it is that factor
which you will be using. If you can be there to repeatedly change the clothes
then you can use a fan, but otherwise leave the fan off and let nature take
its course.
Like many others here we also save a few soda pop bottles to freeze water in
just in case we lose power or the a/c breaks, and we also advise using that
trick.
Meanwhile, best of luck to you with your ill ferret.
If there are more details or more information perhaps those wil help figure
out what illness might be being fought and that could result in treatment
suggestions.
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