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Post by cristina on Sept 15, 2008 17:15:19 GMT -5
So one of my ferrets has a cold, not the flu just a cold, and I think she may have given it to me! (if thats even possible)
Anyways I would like to know if there are any natural remedies for helping a ferret with a cold, its not the flu and its not bad enough to bring her to the vet since they usually just tell me "its just a cold, let it run its course". Shes pretty warm but shes totally normal eating and being herself, though you can tell shes come down with something, its in her breathing and she sneezes and coughs. But everytime I bring her to the vet they tell me its a viral cold and they check for flu and bacterial colds but they usually cant do anything (only once has it come out to be a bacterial cold, most of the time they turn out viral).
If there are any remedies that work (like herbs and tea work for humans), and if the ferret rx drops are ok to use (they say its natural and plant based, but its marshals so I dont trust a word they say, though if it will help her I suppose it cant hurt too much?!)
If anyone has any suggestions and or remedies they swear by PLEASE let me know I feel bad for my little one!
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Post by cristina on Sept 15, 2008 21:14:18 GMT -5
I also read online that its ok to give them .25cc's of childrens triaminic or other cold medicines, nothing with aspirin or tylenol in it, I know its not the holistic approach but I feel really bad for her and want to soothe her
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Post by weloveourweasels on Sept 15, 2008 21:32:12 GMT -5
I have the ferret rx drops. I was afraid of them at first but they really are all natural. The ingredients are Balsam, Camphor USP, Oil (of) Origanum, Oil (of) Rosemaer, Corn Oil. If I myself have a cold (I never get a cold though because I drink orange juice or v8 fruit juice I make sure to drink more if someone in the house is sick) I just drink orange juice or eat strawberries (srawberries have more vitamin c than oranges I think I heard) Vita sol by 8 in 1 doesn't have vitamin c in it but oasis vita-drops does. www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752413#prodTab1EDIT: I wasn't suggesting oranges or strawberries for the ferrets I was saying I eat them.
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Post by Forum Administrator on Sept 15, 2008 23:15:44 GMT -5
Liver has vitamin C and is an appropriate food for a carnivore. You can blend up 1 chicken liver (atmost 2 livers) and feed a little bit to her each day over the course of a week. If she wont eat it you can syringe feed it to her. I don't know if it will do anything for her, but it certainly can't hurt. The other thing I'd do is offer some pedialyte (unflavored) to keep her electrolytes up. Some people might want to give a pro-biotic supplement because they say it can help. I don't know if they can or not because of how fast (and acidic) a ferret's digestive tract is. If you do give it really can't hurt. I would use Nature Made Acidolphous Pills (break them into quarters and give 1 quarter per day). Lets see what else, the Ferret Rx can help with congestion. Its the ferret equivalant of Vicks Vapor Rub. Its natural and I think its a good product (it sure does clear the sinuses!) In fact when my nose was stuffed up one time I used it on myself If she's super congested you can bring her in the bathroom and run the shower (super hot) and let the steam give her some relief. Just sit with her in the bathroom, obviously you dont want to put her under the scalding water I'd be cautious about giving human medication. When my b/f's ex-roomate's cat was sick the vet said there was NOTHING over the counter for human colds/congestion that was safe for cats (I assume its the same for ferrets). Def. consult a vet before using the medication. Thats all I can think of really. Oh and If her eyes get gunky you can get some saline solution to rinse them out and keep them from getting irritated. I hope this helps.
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Post by Heather on Sept 15, 2008 23:16:51 GMT -5
I've had fantastic success with Vibacta by Amber Technologies. It's a herbal remedy that is geared toward fighting virus infections. I've use this product to combat a number of viral infections over the years. I actually had the opportunity to work it side by side with an antibiotic a few years ago. I had two of my boys (actually 6 came down with this) who became very sick with an upper respiratory infection. Mad Max, was the primary that I was concerned with as he seemed to be the worse affected. By the time he was taken to the vet in the afternoon, Porthos was just as sick My vet doesn't like to push antibiotics but had a grave concern for Max's upper respiratory infection turning into pneumonia. When she saw him, Max was still the sickest of all the furbabies who came down with this, so she treated him with antibiotics despite having grave misgivings that this was viral. She also requested that I put him in isolation. The next morning Sat of a long weekend ) Porthos was just as sick and both boys were showing signs of stress brought on by being separated. As I was positive that both boys had the same infection, I placed both in the same hospital cage so that illiminated part of the problem...they snuggled up together and proceeded to look much happier. It still didn't solve my problem with Porthos who was now sneezing so hard that he could actuall propel himself backwards with a series of sneezes. At that point I remembered the Vibactra (I had been using it to help a furbaby diagnosed with heliobacter and it was working amazingly) So figuring I had nothing to loose, I used that. By Monday, Porthos is starting to look a lot better, his breathing is easier, his activity level is up and he's eating again. Mad Max mean while isn't getting any worse but he's certainly not getting better the way Porthos was. He's having to be force fed and really does not much other than sleep. So 14 days later, Porthos is better and no longer taking the Vibactra (5 to 7 days is the usual dosage), Mad Max meanwhile is still sneezing a lot and sleeping more than he usually does, but he is eating. Mad Max did eventually kick the problem but I found myself resorting to cleaning up the infection with the Vibactra. So, did the Vibactra cure Porthos....I don't honestly know. He may not have had the virus as bad as Max (though it appeared to be just as bad, through the symptoms), Porthos was only about 3 yrs to Max's 7 yrs. it could have been the wrong medicine for the disease. The final thing is antibiotics are not meant to cure a virus...so the conclusion that I had to draw...the Vibactra worked when the antibiotics were not able to deal with the virus (which they normally aren't geared to do anyway) . Just thought I would throw this one into add to the possibilities ciao
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Post by Heather on Sept 15, 2008 23:29:23 GMT -5
Oh, and just to add to your first statement "my ferrets have given me the infection" It's entirely possible...or you could have given it to your ferrets.....diseases that pass freely between human and animal Ferrets are unfortunately very good at this. Sorry. Oh and your ferret cannot catch the common cold virus, it will be in an influenza type upper respiratory infection, at least this is according to the vets on the ferrethealth list . ciao
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Post by cristina on Sept 15, 2008 23:36:02 GMT -5
Thank you both Heather and Giuli for both your input, this is why I love asking things such as this since everyone has something to put in the pot especially for people like me who have not had the joy in parenting ferrets for long. I love learning new things every day!
I am quite fond of this vibactra you spoke of since I looked it up and it would work for me too! I think I have it worse than her now! I will try this tomorrow.
I also didnt know about liver, I actually have some left over from a chicken I used for soup...I was saving them to fry up for my mom since she likes that kinda stuff, but thats going to Penners now!!
Thanks so much!
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Post by mustelidmusk on Sept 16, 2008 8:32:59 GMT -5
Hi, One thing to keep in mind is that ferrets can pass the flu around to each other and back and forth to people. So, if you can separate out your sick baby (although here's a good chance they're already "well-exposed"). If you have the flu, wash your hands well before handling your ferrets and try to avoid being around them as much as possible. We had a couple of experiences passing the flu around our house. If any of your ferrets is not better after a week, you should take him/her to the vet . Ferrets can get pneumonia from the flu., and persistent infections should be treated. I hope everyone recover soon. -jennifer
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Post by cristina on Sept 16, 2008 10:08:40 GMT -5
well I found out I had an ear infection ( though I get those alot when I get head colds), Penny seems normal and her breathing is better but she still feels warm to me so Im going to try the vibactra still for her.
I dont know if ferrets can catch an ear infection from humans, if so then I will need to take her to the vet for antibiotics seeing that it is a bacterial infection...though I dont know if she contracted it and I dont think so as of right now.
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Post by Heather on Sept 16, 2008 21:47:35 GMT -5
Here, a normal ferret temp is approx 102, use a rectal thermometer...I've heard you can use the ear type too. If you find you need to use the vibactra remember to heat the stuff to evaporate the alcohol (vabactra has an alcohol base). It only takes a few minutes. I believe the homeopath I was working with told me to hold it over boiling water for 1 min. Make sure that it's not too hot when you give it to your furbaby..... Oh, by the way, they don't like the taste Hope that helps Ciao
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Post by cristina on Sept 17, 2008 21:19:16 GMT -5
Can Ferrets Get Ear Infections From Humans?!?!?!?
I have an ear infection and sinus infection, my ferrets are both getting my cold, and I was wondering if its possible if I could have spread my ear infection to them???
Please let me know anyone! Im worried and I dont know the symptoms of an ear infection (other than mites) and I need to know before I bring them to the vet so I can bring the ear discussion up.
Please help!
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