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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2012 11:45:27 GMT -5
So...I've been sick this week with a doozy of a cold. No fever or chills or anything, but felt like crud. And as careful as I have been about hand washing, wearing a mask, and not handling the kids...I think I may have passed some germs along to Soxx man  His eyes have always watered while he eats, but yesterday at the vet I noticed clear discharge coming out of his nose. Vet said his lungs sound fine, but today I've noticed him licking his nose more often than normal. His appetite is still gargantuan, and he seems to be sleeping/active at his normal ratio. What should I look for? Should I take him to another vet with more ferret experience? Admittedly my vet is not THE most fert experienced but handles basic medical care (shots, x-rays for Freya when I thought she might have a blockage [if she had she'd have gone to the fert expert], basic check-ups). The other vet is much farther away  Modified to add -- we guess that Soxx is around 7, gauging from his teeth. So I don't want to do ANYTHING that may curtail his life, I've only had him a few short months... |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2012 13:41:26 GMT -5
I take that back about his appetite. Maybe it's because I mixed powdered eggshell into soupies today for the first time (didn't phase the other two at all) but he barely touched his soupies this morning...
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Post by Sherry on Jan 26, 2012 15:33:18 GMT -5
If he's getting congested, he won't be able to smell his food. Try warming up some soup and hand feeding. The thing to watch for is pneumonia in these guys. It can only be diagnosed via X-ray, not with a stethoscope.
Also, run the shower hot and let him run around in the bathroom in the steam. That helps open airways as well. I've also heard if people having success with something called Marshall's Ferret RX. You can get it at ferret.com I believe.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2012 17:15:04 GMT -5
I have used the ferret rx it smells like vicks and you put a drop on the nose.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2012 18:27:57 GMT -5
Beautiful, thanks guys. I will do those things & order some Ferret Rx ASAP. I've been doing the steam shower for myself anyway so I will just let them in on the fun  |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2012 18:28:15 GMT -5
At what point do I say...ok...time for the vet?
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Post by Sherry on Jan 26, 2012 20:17:04 GMT -5
That one I'll have to let someone else get, since I've not dealt with it personally. But I'd not wait very long if he is lethargic and refusing even hand fed warm soupies.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2012 21:51:49 GMT -5
He ate his suppertime soupies solo *phew* Hes been super cuddly this evening, snuggled up in my lap for the past fifteen, twenty minutes. No coughing and he hasn't been sneezing all that much now that I have been straining my ears for it...maybe once since I got home around 630.  No coughing, either. Came up for cuddles this morning too. I'll be keeping a close eye on him. Since he's eating we will probably forgo the vet visit but if he stops eating he will be going ASAP. (Somebody correct me if I am wrong on this!) |
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Post by Sherry on Jan 26, 2012 23:21:38 GMT -5
If he's eating I'd not worry too much just yet that's the "big" one. And it's fantastic that he ate on his own! It is a fine line of take them in/don't take them in. Flu is viral, so antibiotics won't touch it, but pneumonia can develop and need them |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2012 0:27:23 GMT -5
*crossing fingers* they are all eating like PIGS right now (second helpings all around!!) and Soxx went at it like crazy all by himself each time so I am feeling better. but i will have a very close eye on him for awhile!! thanks for all your advice yall...i am a bit paranoid |
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Post by Heather on Jan 27, 2012 1:25:44 GMT -5
Being a paranoid ferrant isn't a bad thing...really
ciao
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Post by slinkytiger on Jan 27, 2012 2:38:28 GMT -5
Ferret Rx? Is this a product that is worth having in the medicine kit? Are there other cold products that are worth having around? My access to ferret gear / products is limited by time so I would need to order well in advance. Do I understand correctly that: Colds are a worry because a cold can turn into pneumonia.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2012 3:35:25 GMT -5
I wonder how safe this product is? Main ingredients are Balsam and Camphor. Camphor: similar to menthol. Has a cooling effect. This is what wiki says about it "Although touted as a cough suppressant, it has no effects on respiratory tract function. A recent publication in Pediatrics suggests the topical application of VapoRub may improve symptoms of colds and sleep quality when compared to a control." eHow says "Camphor is a strong-smelling essential oil originally made from the wood and bark of the camphor tree." Essential oil??? This page says small amounts are toxic in cats.. www.ehow.com/facts_5786398_camphor-toxicity-cats.htmlThe Pet Poison line says its toxic to cats and dogs -> www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/camphor/Balsam oil is also an essential oil... www.for-the-love-of-cats.com/Poisons.html This site says that parts of the balsam tree is poisonous to cats. I don't know, I'd probably avoid it. JMO. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2012 3:41:33 GMT -5
Also it contains Oil of Origanum, Oil of Rosemary, and Corn Oil. Oil of Origanum (from Oregano)- Essential oils which contain phenols are particularly toxic to cats and cause liver damage. These include Oregano, Thyme, Eucalyptus, Clove, Cinnamon, Bay Leaf, Parsley and Savory www.messybeast.com/teatree.htmOil of Rosemary Essential oils which contain ketones cause neurological symptoms. These include: Cedar Leaf*, Sage*, Hyssop*, Cyprus*, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Mint ,Caraway*, Citronella ,Clove*, Ginger*, Chamomile, Thyme and Rosemary (those marked * give particular cause for concern). |
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Post by slinkytiger on Jan 27, 2012 3:50:05 GMT -5
Jackie - are you referring to Ferret Rx? Not a good choice? |
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No coughing, either. Came up for cuddles this morning too. 