Post by huronna on Oct 25, 2008 7:47:17 GMT -5
Influenza
by Lily
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Influenza (the flu) is a virus that your ferrets can catch the same way we humans do. They can catch it from us, and they can catch it from other ferrets. The flu can last anywhere from 3-7 days, typically.
Symptoms
Runny Nose (clear)
Runny Eyes
Coughing
Sneezing
Occasional Diarrhea
Lethargy
Some decrease in appetite
Treatment
Although not everyone goes to the vet for minor flu symptoms, I always prefer to recommend taking your ferret to the Vet for a firm diagnosis when they are ill.
Lots of rest and TLC
Duck Soup if necessary (to help with a decreased appetite)
Pedialyte or sub-q fluids if necessary if dehydration begins
Recommended meds I have seen:
Marshalls Ferret RX (as directed)
Goodwinol Vet RX (as directed)
the antihistamine product Chlor Trimeton will help with the sneezes - 1/4 tablet, 2 x's daily
What to watch for
Complete Loss of Appetite
Extreme Lethargy
Green or Yellow discharge
Excessive Coughing or respiratory distress
If these symptoms start to show, please get your fuzzy back to the Vet.
Prevention
If you are sick yourself, if at all possible, avoid handling your ferrets. If this is impossible to do, then be sure to wash your hands before and after handling. Try not to breathe on your ferrets and NO kissing! If you have more than one ferret, consider having a "sick cage" to try to avoid your other ferrets coming down with the flu also.
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Research Credits: Ferret Central, Ferret Universe
by Lily
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Influenza (the flu) is a virus that your ferrets can catch the same way we humans do. They can catch it from us, and they can catch it from other ferrets. The flu can last anywhere from 3-7 days, typically.
Symptoms
Runny Nose (clear)
Runny Eyes
Coughing
Sneezing
Occasional Diarrhea
Lethargy
Some decrease in appetite
Treatment
Although not everyone goes to the vet for minor flu symptoms, I always prefer to recommend taking your ferret to the Vet for a firm diagnosis when they are ill.
Lots of rest and TLC
Duck Soup if necessary (to help with a decreased appetite)
Pedialyte or sub-q fluids if necessary if dehydration begins
Recommended meds I have seen:
Marshalls Ferret RX (as directed)
Goodwinol Vet RX (as directed)
the antihistamine product Chlor Trimeton will help with the sneezes - 1/4 tablet, 2 x's daily
What to watch for
Complete Loss of Appetite
Extreme Lethargy
Green or Yellow discharge
Excessive Coughing or respiratory distress
If these symptoms start to show, please get your fuzzy back to the Vet.
Prevention
If you are sick yourself, if at all possible, avoid handling your ferrets. If this is impossible to do, then be sure to wash your hands before and after handling. Try not to breathe on your ferrets and NO kissing! If you have more than one ferret, consider having a "sick cage" to try to avoid your other ferrets coming down with the flu also.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Research Credits: Ferret Central, Ferret Universe
