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Post by raynebc on Aug 9, 2014 12:56:46 GMT -5
There is a lot of misinformation on the internet about garlic toxicity. Even though many people claim garlic is more toxic than onions, other sources refute that by pointing out that the offending active ingredient (thiosulphate) is actually much less concentrated in garlic than it is in onions (one source I found claimed onion has 15 times as much thiosulphate as garlic) and that people merely assume garlic is worse because garlic smells/tastes stronger than onion.
Anemia, and any problems it causes, seems to be the only thing commonly attributed to garlic toxicity in pets. Interestingly, garlic is strongly suspected to prevent the growth of various cancers and is known to fight harmful bacteria while leaving probiotics intact.
Based on what I've been able to find out, very cautious estimates of a toxic dose in cats (about as close to ferrets as can get with available studies) seems to be around 3 grams (half a clove) per 1 pound of weight. I've been in contact with Nupro about this topic and they indicated the dog/ferret formula has 62mg of garlic per tsp (recommended daily dose for adult ferrets) of Nupro. This is supposedly only a couple percent of the amount of garlic that would be needed for a fatal dose in a 1lb ferret, and on top of that the amount of Nupro I use is less than the recommended dose.
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Post by Sherry on Aug 9, 2014 15:24:32 GMT -5
As I said- why even risk it?
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Post by raynebc on Aug 9, 2014 16:40:47 GMT -5
The trace amount of garlic used in ferret supplements theoretically makes the risk quite low and the benefits are numerous. This is a holistic forum after all, people here recommend various plant supplements (olive/coconut oil for example) that are not a part of a ferret's natural diet. Even though misinformation on garlic is widespread, so is the supposed risk of feeding raw, and everybody here knows raw meat/prey is actually the healthiest diet possible for ferrets.
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Post by Heather on Aug 9, 2014 22:57:11 GMT -5
Here's a consideration.....I've been feeding raw for well over 20 yrs now. I've seen trends come and go, feed garlic don't, feed flax, don't ....trends, theories come and go. One thing to consider is that cats have always been on the no feed garlic to. As far back as I can remember. Most cats won't eat it but leaving that out of the equation, much that we've found to be toxic for cats have been toxic for our ferrets. Do I use garlic, yes I do. I often have fed it to my dogs. NEVER to my cats or my ferrets. Their kidneys and livers work similar, are not able to flush things the way dogs do. Instead of allowing certain components to flush out of their systems, they continue to build up to dangerous levels. Considering the number of ferrets I've had and who've I've known who've died of renal failure, the number of cats I've had and known who've died of renal failure, there is no reason to add to this risk. I'm all for using herbals and do so but garlic, I'm careful of. I know it's got a bad rap but ferrets are a high risk critter, I'm backing Sherry on this, another antibacterial would be better. ciao
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Post by lgvereor1 on Aug 10, 2014 20:19:17 GMT -5
He won't eat anything else, we have to force feed him and the duck soup is the only thing we can get through the feeding syringe, he's also not getting any better despite the insulinoma medicine, he's still getting skinnier and weaker, today I laid him on his bed after eating and he looked near death. He doesn't seem to vomit anymore though.
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Post by Sherry on Aug 11, 2014 0:55:34 GMT -5
As horrible as it is- you may need to consider that it might just be his time. This is never an easy decision but it is infinitely better than him suffering.
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Post by lgvereor1 on Aug 11, 2014 9:42:41 GMT -5
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Post by RedSky on Aug 11, 2014 11:23:32 GMT -5
I'm really sorry, I don't have anything else to say. You know him best, and you can see if he is improving or slipping away. You are both in my thoughts
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2014 12:35:52 GMT -5
Some vets offices will allow you to make payments over time, especially if they feel it's an emergency situation, but you'd have to inquire and explain the circumstances. First thing you should do is find a ferret worthy vet (if you feel this is something that can be helped. Did you check the list someone posted of recommended vets? Some less (ferret) knowledgeable vets will just toss meds at them to see if it helps in a diagnosis, but that can be too time consuming for one who has limited time when an emergency occurs.
Is there anyone else you could ask to help financially? I'm sorry the actual owner seems to not care, despite him not being yours, you seem to be the one who truly cares for his well being...and there are ways of getting your money back from said owner, I've been there before.
If all else fails, as Sherry said, as hard and horrid as it sounds, you may have to accept that it's his time
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Post by Sherry on Aug 11, 2014 17:10:11 GMT -5
He is beautiful.
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Post by lgvereor1 on Aug 11, 2014 19:29:26 GMT -5
The vets listed on here are all far from me, I live deep in rural Pennsylvania and would have to make a 3+ hour drive. I don't even have money for an over time payment, I'm paying off a school loan, wedding debts, a computer and am only making near minimum wage.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2014 22:31:44 GMT -5
I am sorry you are in this type of situation. tbh it's not your responsibility to pay for his vet bills to begin with... I unfortunately have no idea what you can do if the owner won't step up. Just do what's best for him, don't let him suffer if he seems to be. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
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Post by Sherry on Aug 12, 2014 0:25:05 GMT -5
Igver- I do not make this request lightly. Believe me I do NOT. If the local vets can't help, and his owner refuses to become involved, then you have an obligation to help a suffering animal to pass quickly I am sorry to phrase if this abruptly but it does sound like this wee is in a LOT of pain.
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Post by RedSky on Aug 13, 2014 3:45:49 GMT -5
I hate to admit it, but maybe Sherry is right. If he isn't recovering and he is suffering it may be best. But obviously this isn't something you can do without the owners permission.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2014 20:26:51 GMT -5
It can be done without the owners permission, sort of. You have to have evidence that the animal is suffering (sick/hurt ect. - vet diagnosis for example or another animal authority), then the owners outright refusal to handle the situation with witnesses/record of conversation blah blah - If it's deemed in pain/suffering and the owner refuses to take care of it, it is then considered animal cruelty...but then it has to be reported to the proper authorities to keep it from coming back around to bite you in the butt, and that probably means there is the potential of him ending up in a shelter...
Or maybe the owner will just agree to euthanizing....doesn't sound like they want the ferret to begin with. But, euthanasia cost money as well.
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