From:
"merylfaulkner"
Date: 2010-04-14 15:12:16 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Foster - backwards scruffing - now on amoxi and carafate
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Thank you for mentioning that. My veterinarian described what they do, and they do a "backward scruff - but with the ferret suspended in mid air, then use a syringe and needle. The tech said "he doesn't like it but he has no choice and it takes two of us to do it"
I did try that technique, but he was so violently twisting and trying to bite me that he dropped from my grip(luckily not far). The problem is that he's suspicious. At the clinic Tuesday afternoon - where the vet claims he looks much improved (which he is I guess to them since he's now active - finally moving well around the house) - he's held more tightly. Since he is not drinking out of a dish as yet (I'm still syringe feeding him - dribbling it drop by drop onto the lower gumline as he swallows it NOT pushing it into his mouth)I can't keep him still on a counter since there's no one to help during the day. I guess since he's still holding on at 788g in the evening(I'm a compulsive weigher), food intake/calories are keeping him stable.
He is occasionally eating small pieces of N-bone sticks, but no kibbles. At the vet check visit last night she felt he had really improved, but after a discussion of "squinty eyes" she said we could put him on amoxi and carafate to see if it might be an ulcer problem. I think with ferrets (any input here would be helpful) they tend to be more "up" or "on performance" when at a clinic or in a new place. At the clinic he's more lively and alert it seems to me than when he's at home. However he is moving around the house more and not just hiding and sleeping all the time. He's also not quite as paranoid about being fed.
One thing I found interesting, when I mentioned (just before I left as the clinic was closing)that I had read somewhere on one of the ferret sites that Biaxin (Clarithromycin) was one of the treatments mentioned for gastric ulcers, either alone or with amoxi, she said she did not like to use erythromycin like drugs on ferrets. Anyone know what the issue with Biaxin might be? Possible side effects listed for Biaxin are diarrhea, nausea,vomiting,headache. Noticed today on-line the non-generic is expensive - but for ferret owners (as we all find out at times)expense is not usually an issue.
Meryl
[Biaxin can make it harder to get food into some
ferrets due to changes sense to taste. We've been
through that with Hilbert with some of his favorite
food being totally uninteresting to him while he's
on that med. He hates the med big time.
Next time ask the vet why and let us all know.
-- Moderator (SDC) ]
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