|
IBS
May 4, 2022 14:09:37 GMT -5
hollie likes this
Post by msav on May 4, 2022 14:09:37 GMT -5
pred. most likely will make his IBD worse. It is really rough on a ferrets digestive system.
|
|
|
IBS
May 4, 2022 16:59:32 GMT -5
hollie likes this
Post by unclejoe on May 4, 2022 16:59:32 GMT -5
pred is often given in conjunction with sucrulfate (carafate) to ease the effects on the gut, but you need to give it an hour before, so now you're doing 2 meds and hour apart BID. I would not rush to give pred at such a young age. It may be needed later in life for other maladies.
|
|
|
IBS
May 5, 2022 10:20:19 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by hollie on May 5, 2022 10:20:19 GMT -5
Thank you both! I’m in no rush to use all the medications. Just getting my ducks in a row. I’d heard prednisolone was much easier on the belly and liver. My guy takes sulcrafate before medications..he was doing that before the Metro that is complete. So I know all about that. He seems much more spunky and himself for sure. Poops have improved. He is eating kibble more and loves his morning and nightly soupies. I was looking at the Duck Instinct. The second ingredient is Chicken! I was a bit thrown. I’m not sure the percentage of chicken in it. The bag says 2-3x more duck then any other brand. And research has shown it is a good source of protein. But, still contains chicken. So I’m not sure if I should try it anyway.
|
|
|
IBS
May 5, 2022 20:19:47 GMT -5
Post by unclejoe on May 5, 2022 20:19:47 GMT -5
if he has an allergy to it then any amount of chicken will cause a reaction.
|
|
|
IBS
May 6, 2022 13:36:16 GMT -5
Post by msav on May 6, 2022 13:36:16 GMT -5
I really think the best course would be to eliminate the possibility of an allergic reaction first, then try probiotics and then meds if at all necessary. The fewer meds the better in my opinion.
Best would be to get them on a raw diet so you know what you are feeding. The enforcement for labeling ingredients in kibble in commercial foods is terrible and I don't trust the pet food industry one bit. Too many recalls and using questionable ingredients.
|
|
|
IBS
May 6, 2022 14:42:30 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by hollie on May 6, 2022 14:42:30 GMT -5
Thank you both. So much for “duck” instinct. Sigh. He is back to himself inside and out. Haha. So I’m thankful for that. As for raw. I tried FDR and he and my other 2 refused for 4 months!! Trust me I tried hard! I tried grab and dab, scruff and stuff, small amount on a spoon, small amounts on top of their food. It was crazy. And the one in question would gag and dry heave during this in disgust! Lol. I was told not to mix FDR into their kibble soupy. So I did not do that. Was told mixing raw and kibble can hurt them. Currently I’m with my ferrets playing and Chewy is chowing down the kibble. I definitely agree medication should be a last resort. I believe that for all living things. So here I am trying to figure out a course of action. I know I will do bloodwork if he has another bout. I’ve told my vet that already. I don’t know what kibble to try. I was recommended Orijen regional red cat food. That lots of IBS ferrets eat that. I just don’t like the peas in it. It is towards the bottom of the ingredient list. But, makes me nervous. But, what is the lesser of the 2 evils? I appreciate you talking with me! I feel lonely in this situation.
|
|
|
IBS
May 6, 2022 17:59:14 GMT -5
hollie likes this
Post by msav on May 6, 2022 17:59:14 GMT -5
Yea, It is too bad that the official mentoring program is on hold here. But it you post that you are trying to switch I am sure you will get some assistance.
you have to be strong during a switch. and start out with soup. it requires a good blender or pre ground raw to make soup. start thin and then thicken it up as they start to accept it.
you should not feed raw and kibble together, but you kinda have to to start. Just don't give up and give them both long term.
If your ferrets are at a healthy weight I would try cold turkey off the kibble. I have had good luck with that. Like I said you have to be strong. I am not a mentor but you may be able to look at some old switching threads to give you an idea on how to switch them as well.
It really is the best for them and you will be glad you did it once they are off the kibble. And for the cost. if you factor in vet bills for the common ailments that kibble fed ferrets get you will be better off in the long run.
|
|