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Post by Forum Administrator on May 3, 2008 8:13:13 GMT -5
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Post by jennifer5799 on May 3, 2008 18:05:18 GMT -5
Very good info!! Thanks!
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Post by Forum Administrator on May 4, 2008 6:44:47 GMT -5
Lots of people think herbs and natural remedies are just "hippy dippy" and not "real" medicine, but actually they can be quite potent and just as harmful as allopathic medications if given in large amounts, in the wrong combinations, or improperly. Its important to remember that: a.) Herbs and natural remedies arent some fruity, hippie, new age garbage, but a valid and viable method of medicating/healing your pet(s). b.) That these herbal remedies can be potent and should be administered just like you would any allopathic meds: with caution and under the direction of a liscened veterinarian Hope this helps everyone.  |
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Post by nwheather on May 23, 2008 7:58:44 GMT -5
Thanks for the info! There's so much out there to learn!
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Post by Forum Administrator on May 23, 2008 8:12:04 GMT -5
There really is. Instead of seeing it as overwhelming, I like to see it as a whole new world of possibilities. I know a decent amount about natural diet/care for animals, but there is still SOOOO much for me to learn. Ya never stop learning, ya know? That upsets some people but it just enthralls me  |
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Post by kuuipo61606 on May 23, 2008 10:02:51 GMT -5
hey thanks Giuli! great info and i had no idea!  |
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Post by meli on May 23, 2008 10:09:48 GMT -5
Hmmm now I know.  |
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Post by amyandfuzzies6 on Jun 24, 2008 15:03:41 GMT -5
Very good article and point to make, Giuli - our fearless leader!
So very true! And you need to read all labels and know what the ingredients are. To illustrate, my adrenals get oral daily melatonin. I always buy them the 3 mg PharmAssure Rite Aid brand. Well, to make a long story short, I tried to "simplify" my life and buy a different 1 mg brand. I quickly discovered that brand had sorbitol in it which is an artificial sweetener that can cause diarrhea.
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Post by skitza on Nov 9, 2008 21:24:04 GMT -5
hey thanks i had no idea about any of those things! thanks again!
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Post by Heather on Nov 10, 2008 13:58:49 GMT -5
Don't forget too....vit e is a blood thinner. So always stop feeding it to your ferret at least 48 hrs before any surgery. Dandelion is a diuretic. Echinacea has little use for cats but can be processed by dogs, and should never be taken longer than 2 weeks. One should always avoid licorice (the plant and the candy  ) and borage when dealing with adrenal ferrets:) Dandelion root and burdock root both contain inulin a compound that helps moderate and maintain blood sugars.... and can be used to strengthen the liver functions and be used as a diuretic depending on the dosage. Herbology is a fantastic study but not something to just jump into and use blindly. The easiest thing to remember is that a lot of our strongest and most lethal drugs have a plant base Fantastic read Giuli. Thanks ciao |
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Post by bronwyn on Jan 19, 2009 0:43:29 GMT -5
why would you give an animal melatonin? That is a sleep aid, correct?
Jessica
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Post by Heather on Jan 20, 2009 0:30:10 GMT -5
Here is an article on the why and wherefore of using melatonin. To oversimplify is that it helps delay the growth of growths on the adrenal gland, and if a ferret has an adrenal problem then it helps to promote hair growth. Here is a more indepth explanation.
****HOW MELATONIN WORKS
Melatonin is a natural hormone that is released by the pineal gland (a tiny structure located at the base of the brain) in response to darkness. Conversely, the release of melatonin is inhibited by light. According to Dr. Jerry Murray, "Melatonin directly and indirectly activates the breeding season (spring/summer) during the 'long day' photoperiods, and it terminates the breeding season (fall/winter) during the 'short day' photoperiods. In the fall/winter there is more melatonin released during the dark time, and less released in the spring/summer. In addition to the breeding season, the increased melatonin causes the winter fur to come in and the winter weight gain. Likewise the low levels cause the summer fur to come in and the summer weight loss."
It is likely that the abnormal lighting to which we subject our ferrets may be at least partially responsible for the high incidence of adrenal disease. Their in-home environment is naturally light during daylight hours and we add many hours of artificial light on top of that during the evening hours. This constant lighting causes a natural reduction of the ferret's production of melatonin and adds to the stimulation (LH) to the adrenal glands.
So how does melatonin combat the effects of adrenal disease? Once again from Dr. Murray: "Melatonin inhibits GnRH release, which decreases LH and FSH and stops the stimulation to the adrenal glands [Adrenal glands have LH receptors] which decreases the amount of adrenal sex hormones being produced."
The overproduction of sex hormones is what causes the typical symptoms we see with adrenal disease in ferrets. Hair loss, vulva swelling in females, prostate swelling in males and sexual or aggressive behavior; any one or more of these symptoms may be present. If this constant stimulation can be stopped, the results can often be dramatic. Hair grows, the vulva or prostate swelling resolves, and except in some cases of carcinoma, the adrenal glands may get no larger and in some cases may actually reduce in size. *****
ciao
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