From:
"Florence Love"
Date: 2009-02-04 16:20:26 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Bump on head/violent sneezing fits - Fungus Infection
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I don't know anything directly regarding the fungus Penicillium, but
I know a great deal about Cryptococcosis, which is another fungus
infection. I do know that fungus infections need to be hit hard and
quick because they seem to have a huge amount of resistance and hold
on, even when you think it is almost gone. Not sure what
antibiotics your vet has given you, but we started with
Itraconazole, and later changed to Fluconazole. I got it mixed at a
very competent compounding pharmacy that was able to disguise most
of the bad taste with Banana, Vanilla and artificial sweetener
flavorings.
I researched these antibiotics when we started using them, and found
there were two bad side effects for ferrets =85 loss of appetite, and
will hurt the liver. I used Gallanthus that Mary Conley (herbalist)
got me started on for Pebbles, (which I still cultivate and always
have on-hand) that helps with the loss of appetite. I also used
Milk Thistle extract which I added to her gravy that she never
noticed. I also added probiotics as needed for in intestinal tract
(good flora is needed when using antibiotics).
We were able to keep her alive almost 5 years later with the meds,
and herbals =85 she died with her liver still good, and still
weighting over 2 1/2 lbs, so appetite was good. The Cryptococcosis
worked its way into her lungs, and we weren't able to stop it any
longer.
My opinion (for what it is worth), is to hit this fungus hard in the
beginning before it gets a toe hold on your fuzzy.
Florence Love
Marietta, GA
[Moderator's Note:
Milk Thistle has been discussed before, but I don't think
that Gallanthus has been and it always pays to also know
possible downsides in case anything goes wrong with any
type of med.
Good news: It is NOT among the toxic plants when I use
the search engine at
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/
Write down that URL, everyone! The ASPCA Animal
Poison Control Center has moved but the old address
does NOT have a forwarding feature nor does the page
that comes up give the new address.
I'll try to find more info later if time permits so that
nuances can be known in case needed by anyone.]
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