From:
"Jeff"
Date: 2009-12-05 19:42:13 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Is it safe to give Pepto Bismol and how often?
To: <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
Pepto Bismol and Carafate do not accomplish the same goal, and in treating ulcers they can both be used for better results.
However, a better alternative to Pepto Bismol is Pepcid AC, since it does NOT have the bismuth subsalicylate that the other poster wrote about earlier. The only active ingredient in Pepcid AC tablets is famotidine, which is safe to use in ferrets to reduce acid reflux.
I take one 10.0 mg Pepcid AC tablet, dilute in 4.0 ml of water, and administer 0.25 - 0.4 ml as needed throughout the day when an upset stomach occurs or when fighting ulcers. Keep the unused portion refridgerated and shake before using, as the diluted tablet tends to settle at the bottom over time.
It seems that the purpose for using Carafate (or generic Sucralfate) is lost if it's mixed with food. Carafate will coat the stomach and help 'patch' an ulcer, which is why it's given before food. It helps the ferret to feel more like eating, as the food then won't aggravate the ulcer as much. It does also help in the healing process of ulcers.
If your ferret is grinding her teeth, then there's a good chance that she has developed ulcers, or else she's in some other form of pain. Teeth grinding is a sign of pain, not just 'stress'. I understand all too well that some ferrets get stressed when given meds that they don't want (our Baby Girl sometimes pees on us), but if the alternative is not giving meds that they need, then that alternative always loses.
Jeff
In Memory of Trinny, Neo, and Mr. Parker
Caring for Morphy, Baby Girl, Luna, Dozer, and Possum the Million Dollar Ferret
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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