blockage in raw-fed

[Deleted]

Yes, that is a old post on reference to adrenal. Over the years, we now have much better data. My point was to point out the laxative information.

[Deleted]

Interesting post. I respectfully disagree with some of the information based upon experience rather than medical knowledge.

Regarding adrenal, I believe enough evidence exists to demonstrate that the earlier neutering occurs (technically speaking "neuter" applies to both males and female), the earlier the adrenals begin to over-produce hormone. My current theory suggests that how quickly and/or extensively a gland becomes diseased depends upon general health and genetics.


Regarding the use of olive oil to help prevent hairballs.....
I have never had a hairball issue with any of my kids when I give olive oil daily. I also notice the difference in stool quality after feeding/not feeding olive oil. This suggests that not all of the olive oil is absorbed. I also see more fur being passed in stool on olive oil than I do with laxatone/petroleum jelly. Maybe the laxatone makes it more difficult to see the furs in the stool.

If a blockage were suspected, I would use vaseline/laxatone since it seems to push out bigger items better than anything else.

Mineral oil (liquid petroleum)/petroleum products scares me for the following reasons...I have read that the molecules in mineral oil/petroleum are so tiny that they can block nutrient absorption and actually "plug up"/block the ability for intestinal lining to absorb nutrients on a permanent basis. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this, as well as other potential risks- including cancers. In theory, mineral oil does not get absorbed in the intestines, right? But why do studies indicate that the petroleum in skin products is carcinogenic - the skin in not as permeable as the intestine! As such, mineral/petroleum products are not something I want to pump into my ferret on a regular basis.

annhyg.oxfordjournals.org/content/15/1/43.extract
www.livestrong.com/article/121496-dangers-mineral-oil/

Many people use pumpkin for intestinal health in ferrets. It works very well, and it seems to be for long term use in ferrets. However, it does have a high glycemic index, which may affect insulin and/or blood sugar levels to spike/drop. If you're feeding raw diet (few carbs) and you ferret does not have a history of ingesting a lot of carbs over a long period of time, the pumpkin will probably not be an issue.

That's my fully biased, possibly "full-of-it)opinion
-jennifer

[joclyn]

yup, i know it, wendy!! since both items were posted, the second one also got commented on...

besides effectiveness, i prefer the pumpkin because it's a food item (albeit not really a proper food item for ferrets) and i'd really prefer to avoid petroleum based products if i can

thanks for those links, jennifer! very informative - mineral oil is some scary stuff!!

finola has been okay. her tushy seems to be on the mend - she had obvious discomfort through saturday and into yesterday and seemed to be more at ease during a movement today. so, any damage that occured is healing up. she's still a bit runny, though; which is to be expected under the circumstances and that should clear up as she gets back to her normal diet.

[crazylady]

Hi each to there own I say all i know is in 43 years I have never had a blockage or hairball all of mine are raw meat whole prey fed and each get there 1 tsp of oil daily ( 50% sunflower cut with 50% olive oil ) with a sprinkling of bonemeal pumpkin is not available over here in the uk so I have never used it but you don't fix what isn't broken lol I say use what you find works for you and your fuzzy each to there own take care bye for now
bev aka crazy lady