|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2013 14:35:08 GMT -5
I know,i am always posting new threads but i am trying to treat my STUBORN ibd ferret.Are electrolytes important for ferrets with inflammatory bowel disease?The electrolytes that are sold by our local drugstore contain Strawberry Flavor an aspartame,are these harmful to ferrets(strawberry flavor and aspartame)?They are sugar free.and i cannot find any flavor-free electrolytes....
|
|
|
|
Post by miamiferret2 on Feb 26, 2013 17:23:05 GMT -5
I think electrolytes are important for everyone. i would not use any flavored electrolytes. especially any with aspartame, artificial sweeteners of any kind STAY AWAY FROM. stay away from sweeteners period.
also, you can create more of a problem if you give too much electrolytes. out of curiosity, have you checked his electrolyte levels with blood tests? why are you assuming that he has an imbalance with electrolytes?
is he dehydrated? from diarrhea? pinch his skin at the scruff of his neck? does it go down quickly? or does it kind of tent?
if you must use electrolyte fluids, give CLEAR pedialyte. you can freeze them into cubes so that they will not go bad and give them to your ferret a few times a week.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Feb 26, 2013 20:08:27 GMT -5
Miami is right. Electrolytes are a concern for every living creature. If he's had constant diarrhea then they are quite likely out of whack. And plain pedialyte, full strength will help.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2013 13:54:17 GMT -5
We've been struggling a lot lately with IBD with my Grace. When she is really sick, we use sub-q fluids which contain electrolytes. Not always necessary, but helpful to know how to do!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2013 15:47:47 GMT -5
Sub-Q fluids are definitely the best thing to give to dehydrated ferrets. If this is a common concern for your IBD ferret, you can ask the vet to teach you how (it's really simple). Then you just purchase the Sub-Q fluid bags and needles from the vet (not very expensive) and use when your ferret is dehydrated (use the tent-skin test).
If its minor dehydration from diarrhea then plain pedialyte is fine, but as mentioned you don't want to create your own electrolyte imbalance.
You could always have the vet run a blood panel to be sure. But sub-Q fluids don't alter the electrolyte balance, so they are definitely better to give.
|
|
