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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2012 14:02:51 GMT -5
My ferret Chance may be coming down with a cold. What do I do to help him get through it before he gets dealthy ill? He's been coughing/sneezing more than usual, and sounds like he is swallowing mucus/fluid every couple minutes.
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Post by Heather on Dec 26, 2012 14:10:59 GMT -5
Your wee one has an upper respiratory infection (they can't get the real cold) but that doesn't make it any better Understand that it is a virus, so antibiotics won't help at this end of the game. That being said ferrets are very prone to getting pneumonia and it's silent. If you're ferret is lethargic, not eating or drinking then a vet visit is necessary. To rule out pneumonia an xray must be taken as it cannot be diagnosed by listening alone. Antibiotics will be necessary if this is indeed the case. You can relieve some of their symptoms by taking your little one to play in a steamy bathroom. Do not use a vapourizer with vicks or EO's such as tea tree or oregano. Unfortunately, like us there is little you can do but wait it out for the 2 or so weeks that it takes the body to destroy the virus ciao
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2012 14:27:01 GMT -5
I have very little experience with ferrets getting the flu. My first two ferrets got the flu a couple of times. I took them to the vet who prescribed antibiotics to prevent secondary infection.
Obviously, you want to keep your ferret well-hydrated and make sure he's eating. Keep him warm, and give him plenty of rest. Wash bedding daily. Wash you hands before and after handling your ferret. NO snuggling! Ferrets and people can share the flu virus passing it back and forth!
I know some people wait longer than I do before taking them in. But my first two ferrets had crummy immune systems, so I didn't wait. To be honest, I would bring my ferret to the vet if he is coughing and/or congested (even if it's sinus only.)....ferrets can develop pneumonia pretty easily, and this is very difficult to treat in ferrets.
Others may be able to offer better insight.
I hope your little guy is feeling better very soon.
-jennifer
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Post by unclejoe on Dec 26, 2012 14:56:46 GMT -5
I have had flus go thru my whole business several times. You can't kill the virus, but you can treat symptoms. We read somewhere on FHL that Guaifenesin (the stuff in mucinex) is safe for ferrets. (I'm sorry I did not save the link, but this is the text we copied from that post: Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin (Robitussin DM ®) – This product can be used to treat coughing in dogs, cats and ferrets, at a dosage of 0.5 ml/lb every 8 hours. Make sure that it is the ‘DM’ product only, and remember that coughing can be a symptom of some very serious diseases. It can also cause some mild sedation.) Guaifenesin is the stuff in mucinex. We gave it to The Rocket when he had a bad flu with cough and he came thru it ok. He was over 5 yo at the time. I will leave it to you to verify.
The first time I experienced flu in ferrets, we didn't do anything but allow them to rest, make sure they ate soupies a few times a day and drank water. I tried to isolate the sick one(s) in a separate cage or level just so the others didn't disturb the sick one(s) rest, but I knew they would all get it since they shared food and water. But we did monitor their breathing to check for pneumonia. It took 10-12 days for 5 fuzzies to get thru it.
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Post by darlene on Dec 26, 2012 15:14:32 GMT -5
I've never experienced respiratory infection in my ferrets,thank goodness. I hope your little ones feel better soon.
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Post by Sherry on Dec 26, 2012 17:42:36 GMT -5
We've been lucky enough to not have experienced this yet. However, warm soup will help with appetites. It helps to open airways to some extent, and being warm it also has more aroma which will help trigger appetites since they are more likely to be able to smell it. It will also help with hydration.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2012 22:00:36 GMT -5
Warmed water too even was very popular with my group when they were sick recently. A 5-10 minute visit to a steamed up bathroom perked the worst of them right back up again into little dooking fiends.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2012 6:40:52 GMT -5
Hey there, hope your wee one is getting better all ready. Just wanted to let you know three of mine have been fighting this the last few weeks. They start getting better, then one gets it again and before I realize it, they've passed it around again!
We are doing antibiotics with the most symptomatic one as a precaution to prevent pneumonia or another secondary infection. Otherwise, there isn't much to be done. Mine are still eating and drinking and playing (though they do get tired out quicker). So for now, I'm not too worried.
My vet said that as long as they are eating, drinking, pooping, and playing, then not to worry. If you are able to, clean their cage daily (including food and water bowls). Also, attempy to wipe down their toys, as well.
Best of luck. Hoping my kids finally get better SOON! Of course, I hope the same for your wee ones too.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2012 21:35:59 GMT -5
A vaporizer with just salt water would be okay, right? He is still eating, drinking, and playing. He is just sneezing/coughing and snotty sounding. He seems to be doing better thankfully, but I'm trying the vaporizer tonight because both he and I are somewhat congested.
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Post by Sherry on Dec 28, 2012 22:29:04 GMT -5
Yes, that would be fine
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Post by darlene on Dec 29, 2012 0:19:53 GMT -5
Hope you both feel better soon
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Post by kraesmom on Jul 22, 2014 21:58:11 GMT -5
I have had flus go thru my whole business several times. You can't kill the virus, but you can treat symptoms. We read somewhere on FML that Guaifenesin (the stuff in mucinex) is safe for ferrets. (I'm sorry I did not save the link, but this is the text we copied from that post: Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin (Robitussin DM ®) – This product can be used to treat coughing in dogs, cats and ferrets, at a dosage of 0.5 ml/lb every 8 hours. Make sure that it is the ‘DM’ product only, and remember that coughing can be a symptom of some very serious diseases. It can also cause some mild sedation.) Guaifenesin is the stuff in mucinex. We gave it to The Rocket when he had a bad flu with cough and he came thru it ok. He was over 5 yo at the time. I will leave it to you to verify. Avery does not appreciate your recommendation and fully believes that I just tried to poison him. we shall see if this helps with some of the coughing and sneezing. Poor mite. He's been miserable for a week now. Reduced activity, but not lethargic. Still eating, but not as much.
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Post by Thérèse on Jul 23, 2014 6:55:18 GMT -5
good thoughts Avery's way
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Post by Sherry on Jul 24, 2014 8:11:54 GMT -5
It might be an idea for a vet visit if he doesn't pick up a bit soon. These guys are also prone to pneumonia and can only be diagnosed by X-ray. Also take him into a very steamy bathroom. The warm humidity will help break up the mucous.
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Post by unclejoe on Jul 24, 2014 13:37:23 GMT -5
No one ever said getting meds into a fuzz was easy. Try mixing liquid med with ferretone. If i remember right, the pills are nasty. But so is vaseline, to me.
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