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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2013 12:40:46 GMT -5
This is just a quick tip regarding the lymphatic system from a "wellness perspective". If you look at the basic components and function of the lymphatic system, you'll you'll be reminded that holistic care is required to maintain optimal health. Organs of the lymphatic system: ************************* 1. lymph nodes( filters) 2. Spleen 3. thymus 4. Bone marrow (these organs are common topics in ferret medical discussion) Primary Functions: ************** 1. immune system function (defense, combat and cleansing) 2. transport of excess fluid from the body back to the blood stream 3. transport of fatty acids from the small intestine to the body (posts on our site commonly demonstrate that ferrets are sensitive in terms of allergies, toxicities, infections, homeostasis, digestion) Holistic approach to lymph system health: ********************************* 1. Nutrition 2, Hydration (required for transport of toxic waste) 3. Healthy environment (limit exposure to toxins, limit excessive stress, which produces toxins, etc.) 4. Exercise 5. Gentle massage Items 1, 2, and 3 are "no-brainers" - I'm sure some of you are rolling your eyeballs by now. The last two, which may also seem to be obvious are more important than many may think for one simple reason (a reason we rarely think about as well)....the lymph system has NO PUMP (such as a heart) to move lymph throughout the body. Lymph is moved only through MANUAL stimulation such as muscular contraction. Breathing moves lymph. Muscle contractions act as light massage to move lymph through the body. This is a primary reason why even light exercise is required for health. Recommended Reading: 1. A good, non-technical look at the lymphatic system with a discussion of wellness: (make sure you hit all 4 pages...the advertisement at the bottom of the page is NOT the end ) www.womentowomen.com/detoxification/lymphaticsystem.aspx2. I will be posting another thread under the medical section on this site to discuss "alternative medicines" for lymphatics. (It's not much info, but I can relate my experiences. This second post under medical will reference back to this post since I never know where people might look for health vs. disease. -jennifer
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2013 14:19:37 GMT -5
Do you happen to know any good references that might demonstrate how to do a ferret massage as mentioned in #5? Mr. Murder's ego is already overinflated as it is, but I am sure he would appreciate the extra pampering. ;D
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Post by Sherry on Jan 6, 2013 18:02:45 GMT -5
Thanks for doing this Jennifer!
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Post by darlene on Jan 6, 2013 18:20:11 GMT -5
Thanks Jennifer,you're a wealth of information
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Post by Heather on Jan 6, 2013 23:05:00 GMT -5
Thank you Jennifer ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2013 22:52:55 GMT -5
Here's some interesting stuff about massage and the lymph system.....
Massage in general is good to stimulate stagnant tissues. I'm of the opinion that any massage that a ferret enjoys will be of value to revitalize normal lymph flow.
There is a very specific form of massage that stimulates lymph DRAINAGE. This goes far beyond the scope of a general "awakening" of the system - done correctly, this form of massage can accelerate the rate of lymph flow by up to 20 times the normal rate. There can be problems with this as follows:
1. you need to know what you're doing - otherwise, you may do more harm than good 2. accelerating lymph flow is NOT a desirable thing when cancers are present. This can spread problems. So, lymph drainage should only be performed by a trained practitioner under the recommendation of a physician
A stagnant lymph system is not a good thing, so a light massage all over the body keeps things awake but does not accelerate lymph flow. This is what I recommend for ferrets - they will love the attention too!
-jennifer
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2013 23:05:24 GMT -5
Yes, I'm pretty sure when I give sleepy Murder a massage he's going to do this thing he does where he grabs my hand very strongly with his paws and doesn't let go. ;D He was laying next to me in bed the other night and my hand was curled around him. He stuck his head into the cup of my hand and proceeded to groom it (can't be seen with these dirty, ungroomed humans!). Halfway through grooming it he designed to grab tight onto my hand and dragged it closer, holding it securely so I couldn't get away. We know who's the boss in this house.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2013 10:09:47 GMT -5
TOO CUTE!!!!! There's a very good chance that the grooming and clutching behavior is associated with territorial behavior. Many animals will rub their faces on or lick to scent-mark things as their property. I have had squirrels rub their muzzles on me (kind of like cats when they rub their faces on you) and grab my hand with their paws. One of the females would go as far as putting my finger in her mouth without biting down - um, kinda scary - -jennifer
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2013 14:43:52 GMT -5
Well a few of my boys have been known to very gently grab my finger and back away, trying to drag me under the cage or bed to be stashed. It flatters me a great deal, but I have a hard time explaining to them I just won't fit. ;D
It's amazing how they can hold you so firmly and tightly but not hurt you.
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2013 12:25:49 GMT -5
One more quick reminder that should probably be added for new ferret owners....
NEVER massage an enlarged spleen. Enlarged spleens can rupture, and this typically results in bleed-out/death. NEVER try to palpate a spleen aggressively, this can kill your ferret. Also, ferrets with enlarged spleens should not play aggressively and or jump off of furniture, etc. An enlarged spleen can rupture.If your ferret seems to have a an enlarged abdomen and/or spleen, he should always be examined by a vet. Please make note that ferret spleens can swell and shrink over the course of the ferret's lifetime. A swollen spleen does not necessarily indicate a serious problem. The ferret's immune system may simply be respond normally to a virus, etc. However, a ferret with abdominal and/or spleen enlargement should be seen by a vet.
About the spleen... The ferret spleen is located in the abdomen on the ferret's left side. To clarify, If your ferret is lying on his back, his spleen will be on your right. It's normal to be able to feel your ferret's spleen. It may should feel like a "smooth surface" that extends beyond your ferret's rib cage (toward his side). You can typically find the edges of a spleen, but the edges should not be particularly prominent. The BEST thing to do is ask you vet to show you how to gently find your ferret's spleen when it's NORMAL. This way, you can notice any changes - every spleen is a little different!
When enlarged, the spleen may feel like a large, firm area on your ferret's side (just beyond his ribs) - the spleen may extend across part of his tummy as well. Edges of the spleen may be prominent (the edge may feel like the edge of a firm pancake. An enlarged spleen may be visible as a bulge on the ferrets side and/or or tummy.
Get to know your ferret's spleen - it can help you understand what is normal and not normal for your ferret. -jennifer
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2016 12:26:37 GMT -5
FIRST OFF SORRY FOR THE LONG STORY BUT FOR REFERENCE AND UNDERSTANDING, HOPEFULLY ITS TOLERABLE: I left town for a couple days and left suspira my ferret with my grandpa and a list of ferret how to's..but... My fairy ferret had a nasty allergic reaction to (infamous pet killer flea med company)naturals that i was terrified about when i read reveiws about it...it has peppermint, lemongrass, and clove essential oils as its only ingredients and my babysitter/granddad thought it would be a great cheap alternative to what i had asked him to find.. i got back two days after and apparently it happened as follows: Within seconds of putting it on she started developing a red swollen rash where it was put on and her eyes were red rimmed and watery...he washed it off with dawn in the first 5 min ( thank god ) and she seemed better but soon there after started on with panting, diarrhea,extreme lethargy, coughing/gagging(?) alot, wouldnt eat or drink water, * swollen lymph nodes and seemed fearful of everything.... He called me while this was happening and i called my vet but unfortunately being a sunday i could only leave a voicemail and pray he called back. He apparently got my message and had an on call vet call me who told me that baby benadryl should take care of it bc sounds like its an allergic reaction and said she would be ok in a couple days.i was very doubtful about how much this vet knew anything relating to ferrets but was out of options and knew benadryl was in fact ok. told my granddad all i knew to do..he gave her some baby benadryl and made sure she stayed hydrated and attempted to keep her focus anywhere but sleep.. Forward to my return.. She is seemingly better, still has fleas and even worse now.. But diarrhea, and all other alarming behavior/reactions are gone..EXCEPT her swollen lymph nodes. So i decided maybe it could be watched closely and hope that with time and good mommy lovin symptoms would pass but going on 2 weeks and her neck, "armpit" area, and behind legs lymph nodes are still swollen and her belly seems bigger and she seems protective of her belly being rubbed.... Im in a pickle bc my only option is a vet who i dont think knows anything about ferrets and a vet who is really good as well as the only labled exotic vet around my hick town , however he is on vacation just about every two friggin weeks somehow...i dont know what to do but she is playful and active still, she is back on her regular eating routine and isnt missing litter ..she follows me everywhere as usual...all behaviour is normal..just not girth..its concerning that i live where i do ( moultrie,ga aka nowhere, hades..
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Post by chisholm22 on Jul 20, 2018 7:08:10 GMT -5
Interesting! I was just looking for private health Los Angeles and I came across this. It is going to help in my med exams as well. I must share it with my friends and my juniors, it is going to be very helpful. Also, I need to find a good medical centre for treating my mother’s cancer.
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