>My husband brought home a virus which is quickly spreading thru my
>ferrets.  If the symptoms are the same with them, they have congestion,
>sore throat, aches and pains.  They do not want to eat and are wheezing
>and sneezing.  My vet put them on amoxicilliin but since it is a virus
>this is only providing protection against secondary infections.  Two of
>my ferrets already have serious health prob.  kidney prob.  and lymphoma.
>I've been giving them duck soup but they do not have any appetite and I
>have to coax and spoon feed.  Anything I can do to relieve some of the
>symptoms?  Is tylenol safe and what dosage if so?
 
Dear X:
 
I'm so happy you asked - Tylenol is extremely toxic to ferrets and other
pet species, and only a small amount will wipe out their liver.
 
Influenza can be spread to ferrets from their human owners, and back again
to other human members of the household.  However, the best treatment is
lots of TLC, good food and water, and if they get really congested, some
time in a steamy bathroom.  I am always hesitant to prescribe an OTC human
medications due to the fact that so many contain Tylenol or other
anti-inflammatories that may cause extreme harm.
 
As long as you can get the food into them, let's stick with that plan.
The flu is no more fatal in ferrets than in humans - it just sticks around
a little longer.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams DVM
[Posted in FML issue 3691]