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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 10:34:06 GMT -5
Sorry for bombarding you yesterday! I just randomly had things pop in my head! As for the vet, as soon as I get my check (I just recently started a new job, and my husband's paycheck isn't enough to cover any extra; tight budget because I was disabled for a few months and not bringing in money.) I already have my vet picked out. I just have another week before I get my first real paycheck. But trust me, he's going to the vet and getting all of his shots updated and everything. But for now, I'm doing what I can with what I have, ya know? What would you suggest I use to entice him to take his meds? I've been using a tiny drop of FerretVite (just a tiny bit, none throughout the rest of the day) just to get him to take the pill. Could I crush it, add some water and put it in a syringe? This morning he took his morning dose of Pred, and ate 1.85 oz of soup.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 19:32:43 GMT -5
There’s no need to apologise, we highly encourage frequent posting to switch threads so you can post as much as you desire. You can also ask a whole range of questions if you wish. I can understand that things may be tight at the moment when it comes to cash, but I really must emphasize the importance of seeking vet opinion before treating. Self diagnosing and self treating is incredibly risky. This is why it is important to have a vet do tests (especially on a ferret of unknown age or background) before prescribing a medication. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid and these types of medications require a prescription from a Veterinarian. Dose of the medication is first determined on the condition being treated and the pet's response to treatment. These medications should have a gradual reduction in dosage before stopping, so do not stop until you see the vet and the vet gives you directions on where to go from there. I can also understand that you only wish to do the best for GusGus, and I can really see in your posts that you both hold GusGus very dearly. There are so many risks that come with giving medication without seeking vet treatment and sometimes these risks outweigh the good, you need to be very careful in future and avoid giving medication that has not be prescribed specifically for GusGus by a vet. For the time being, you can give the medication with food, so opt for the soup rather than ferretvite. You can also pop the pill into his mouth if you’re okay with putting two fingers (middle finger and index finger) into his mouth, this option is more complicated so if you’re uncomfortable just keep trying with a spoon of soup. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. Oh and yes, feel free to post photos of GusGus teeth wise. I can bring it up with a couple of other mentors to come up with a potential age range.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 22:31:14 GMT -5
I will definitely do that. I only give him a quarter of a tablet. He's been out almost all day today! And has eaten a lot. It's hard for me to remember to weigh everything. But I'd say he's eaten round about 5 ounces today or so. Maybe a little more.
I stopped using the FerretVite and instead putrid meds in a little bit of chicken neck (the meat) and put some Beechnut turkey and broth baby food on it and mixed it all up. He will only eat anything with chunks if I hand feed him.
He has been out and about playing all day today! Running around, he even tried to steal a stuffed bear from me! It's been a fun day today for nature! He's so much more playful.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 22:57:19 GMT -5
It's fantastic to hear that he has been active and eating very well. So currently he is on soup, and is beginning to eat chunks of meat am I correct? You could probably start looking into finding sources for different proteins and meats, then gradually introduce a few slivers here and there. Sounds like he's really enjoying his new food!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2016 3:48:08 GMT -5
Also one more thing, call the vet a week in advance before going in and let them know that GusGus has been on pred and if/when he needs to be taken off to ensure an accurate Blood Glucose reading.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2016 10:35:15 GMT -5
He won't really eat chunks of meat that well. I think if I cut it up a lot smaller he might? He seems to get it in his mouth and not know what to do with it. He HAS had some pork (roughly 2 oz or so) that I put in my blender and mixed up with a jar of Beechnut Turkey and Broth and some water. He seemed to really like it, much to my dismay because it smells atrocious! He's eating about 2 oz at a time, sometimes a little more. He really does seem to be enjoying this though! Higher energy levels, playful, not just sleeping all the time! <3
And I can definitely do that. I get my first paycheck next week, I think? So hopefully I'll have enough to schedule him an appointment for the week after. Is it dangerous to stop his pred that quickly?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2016 15:33:03 GMT -5
Just weighed him and he's gained 4 ounces since starting his raw diet! I am amazed!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 0:27:32 GMT -5
With the chunks of meat, you could cut them into smaller pieces if you would like. You could also use larger ones, but hand feed it to him by holding it near his mouth, rubbing it into the gum and when he grabs on hold onto it until he begins to chew it. Either way, you can try any of those. Cutting into smaller pieces is fine, we can gradually work on increasing the sizes until he can handle large chunks of meat. As for the Beechnut Turkey and Broth, I really recommend ditching that soon. Rather than use the baby food, which is cooked and processed, opt for the raw soup which is easy to digest and balanced for short term use. You can start leaving in little slivers of meat in the soup for him and see if he eats any of those on his own. The size of slivers can be about the size of your pinky finger if you would like. I'm really happy that he has been having great energy levels and is enjoying himself.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 0:29:01 GMT -5
Stopping any medication suddenly isn't good. This is why it is a good idea to call your local vet and check just to be safe.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 11:11:07 GMT -5
Thank you so much! <3 I'll keep that in mind about the baby food. I've been making him the soup, but adding a tiny bit of other stuff (turkey/chicken neck (just a small amount)) to give extra texture. And measuring it all out. He eats between 1.5-2.5 ounces at a time. And as of yesterday he has gained 4 ounces! We're planning on setting him up his own play room tonight. I'm pretty excited, to be totally honest! I think he'll really enjoy it, and it'll clear up our dining room again. His energy levels have been through the roof since we started the transition! When it comes to eating chunks, he'll grab a piece (I hand feed sometimes), freeze, kinda stumble off, drop it, lick it and then walk away from it. He won't chew on it unless it's a piece of fatty, softer stuff. I'm assuming once he gets used to it, he'll eat the chunks better?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 20:18:52 GMT -5
OOoh a play room is exciting! He will love it! Yep, the energy levels change incredibly during a transition to a raw diet. It's mainly because they make use of the easily digestible nutrients, rather than the cooked, processed and lab created supplemented nutrients in commercial pet food. Ferrets could live on commercial petfood, but I wouldn't call it thriving like they would on a species appropriate diet. With chunks, he is simply investigating the new tastes, textures and smells. It can take some time but he'll figure it out as food and find his own way to eat them.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 21:10:53 GMT -5
Awesome!
When do I need to post another picture and weight check-in and things?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 23:27:07 GMT -5
You can do that every sunday or monday, which ever suits you best.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2016 20:26:41 GMT -5
I'll update it tomorrow. I've been in bed almost all day today, just not feeling that great. Hopefully I'll be better tomorrow. <3
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2016 21:40:51 GMT -5
No problem~ I hope you feel better soon.
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