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Post by Sherry on Jun 4, 2016 8:44:54 GMT -5
sounds good One thing to keep in mind, and again it varies from ferret to ferret, is that some need a slow change from one protein to the next. Some you can do it over the course of 3 to 4 meals(decreasing one while increasing the other). Other's need the change to take place over a few days. Other's yet are fine with a sudden change. You will get to know YOUR lad soon enough If he has diarrhea from a new protein go back to the lamb and start mixing it in more slowly.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2016 9:38:13 GMT -5
Sounds good. Thanks!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2016 8:29:22 GMT -5
Went back to Lamb this morning. Stools a bit loose and they weren't eating as much of the venison. I'll give them both a couple days on the lamb and then introduce the venison a bit more slowly. We also have beef which has been in the past fairly well tolerated. Again, I'll add that slowly to the lamb.
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Post by Sherry on Jun 6, 2016 9:48:39 GMT -5
Sounds like a plan Again, do it by mixing in maybe a 10%, then 25% etc. Let me know how they tolerate the mixes.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2016 10:23:44 GMT -5
Hi Sherry! Good morning. Quick update. The boys have adjusted nicely to the Rad Cat. After spending a couple of days back on the lamb, they have started the beef flavor without much issue. I did start them off slowly and this morning was their first day of only the beef. Their stools have been good and they seem to be active (Alvin is still showing his age, but he seems to be a little more energetic). Alvin has lost some weight which is helping him get around much better. He did not get his last des implant (I took him to the vet but they were concerned about his heart, lungs and possible lymphoma) and it was decided after the physical exam to hold off a short while. By date of his last implant he should still be getting a dose of the meds. His ribs are starting to become more pronounced though. He has adrenal and insulinoma confirmed and lymphoma is suspected. I've had ferrets who lost weight and muscle mass due to both cancers and I'm not sure if this is a nutrition issue or more of a progression of cancer. He is eating on his own and I get him to have a bit more food when I hold him after he walks away from his plate. Thanks! Enjoy your Sunday.
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Post by Sherry on Jun 12, 2016 10:26:43 GMT -5
Good to hear! Keep posting in on how they are doing with each transition to each new protein for a bit. I would go ahead and push for the des. Trying to fight adrenal while fighting all the other issues is just going to weaken the immune system(in my experience at least). Our girl battles a chronic gram negative bacteria in her sinus cavity, so we left off treating her adrenal which in turn made the infection worse. Once adrenal was treated she started feeling and eating much better.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2016 10:32:29 GMT -5
Thanks Sherry. I'll call the vet tomorrow and get him scheduled for another implant.
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Post by Sherry on Jun 21, 2016 9:15:32 GMT -5
How is it going?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2016 9:24:19 GMT -5
Hi Sherry, sorry I meant to message over the weekend. The boys are doing well but I need to find a 3rd protein for them since venison seems to be out as well as poultry. We have a local company that sells raw grounds for cats so I need to see what they have by way of protein and how much non meat they include. So far they are eating beef and lamb rad cat. They also like pork, so cam I offer that ground from the grocery? It won't have the organs in it but I can add bone meal powder. I saw Alvin playing with a toy the other day so I know he is feeling better now. Farley had not bee interested in any toys we have since we adopted him last fall but he is starting to move crocheted eggs around and playing with the tube stashed around the house.
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Post by Sherry on Jun 21, 2016 9:27:54 GMT -5
If they will eat it then yes And I am glad this seems to be working for Alvin! If you can manage, ordering from a place like Hare Today may be your best best as they seem to be taking to the mince diet well.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2016 10:15:56 GMT -5
Alvin got his DES implant this morning. He is doing pretty well otherwise. Looking into Hare today. Both Alvin and Farley do well on the beef but they are starting to get stubborn with lamb.
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Post by Sherry on Jul 3, 2016 17:20:01 GMT -5
Okay great to hear! Was just coming on to ask for an update lol. If you could let me know weekly how they are doing and we still need to get them on a third protein(preferably more). They are getting stubborn with the lamb because they get tired of the same old same old. Once on raw they develop taste buds it seems When that happens I normally leave off that protein for a month or so, but with only two not possible. For now until you can get more in try alternating daily if you can. Beef one week, lamb the next. When you are introducing a now protein do it while on the lamb, and just mix in a small amount to check his tolerance level.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2016 18:17:10 GMT -5
We are close to getting that freezer we had been hoping for and I'll place an order for Hare today or another online raw food provider. I'll put Alvin back on the syrup tonight and see how he does with that again. He doesn't appear to be otherwise droopy or have additional hind leg weakness but I'm trying to get him to eat every couple of hours as much as I can convince him to eat.
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Post by Sherry on Jul 13, 2016 9:57:05 GMT -5
Good idea. If his tummy is sore, then he won't want to eat. And the less he eats the higher the risk of an insulinoma episode, as well as the higher the chance of developing an ulcer. Silly boy! Also, if you think he may be having an episode you can always go back to the lamb for a couple of days and see how he does.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2016 4:52:56 GMT -5
Quick update. Alvin wanted absolutely nothing to do with breakfast yesterday after I gave him the syrup. But, I left a big plate for both boys after I left for work which was clean by the time I got home. Alvin ate his first dinner without much coaxing though and was fairly energetic (walking around the main floor exploring). His stools are looking much better right now. Farley seems to want to eat when he wants to so I'm not terribly worried about him right now. He was showing early signs of adrenal when we adopted him last (late) summer and had a DES implant. Otherwise he is still doing well. I'm about to start my 4 days of being home for the week so I can keep a closer eye on Alvin. Thanks for all of your help!!!!!!
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