From:
"Tressie"
Date: 2010-08-16 22:18:02 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Looking for some advice/help
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Loki is a complicated case and seeking the input of a ferret expert veterinarian would certainly be appropriate.
You had said earlier that you cut back on his pain medication. Some of the behaviours you describe are pain responses e.g., digging into the carpet furiously, diminished appetite, walking short distances and laying flat, rapid breathing, and grunting when eliminating.
With ferrets this sick one must take one day at a time and adjust pain medication accordingly. You may find some of the symptoms improving by increasing his pain medication again.
Now some pain medications, especially the narcotics do depress the respiratory system as well as affect elimination.
Tramadol doesn't have as many side effects and is well tolerated in ferrets. It is not sedating while effectively controls pain. However, the oral Tramadol tastes quite bitter and using the injectible kind as a sub-q injection is a better alternative. If you use a fine gauge insulin short needle (30 or 31 gauge) they barely feel it. Your vet can show you how to give it if you aren't experienced in giving sub-q injections.
The dosage is 1 - 5 mg/kg, twice a day but can be given every 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 hours as needed as long as you don't exceed the maximum dose per day (i.e., 10mg/kg per 24 hours).
In any case, as Sukie suggested, getting him to a specialist or at least asking your vet to consult with a specialist is a good idea.
Tressie
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