We have tried the ear-rubbing version (there's a technical term for it
which totally escapes me at the moment).  It did not seem to be as
effective as the oral version, so we went back to torturing with the
oral type.
 
However...
 
In cases where we have a ferret that has other complicating symptoms,
stomach ulcers, not eating, post-surgical, or just old age with an
extremely stressed reception to the oral flagyl, we still will use the
ear-rubbing version.  Whenever the stress of medicating is worse than the
illness, I don't see a lot of sense in medicating with the oral version,
since, in ferrets, stress can be such a huge factor in recovery time.
 
On the 'technical' side of it, my vet feels that oral Flagyl (an
antibiotic that survives un-absorbed until it reaches the intestinal
tract <-- my understanding of it) puts more of the medicine where it's
needed, while the ear-rubbed version must rely on the blood system to
carry it there.
 
With that said, the following is a JOKE:
 
Tips for Proper Administration of Flagyl
 
In the life of every ferret, the day the vet prescribes flagyl eventually
comes.  The ferret owner will immediately notice that the vet does not
give the ferret a dose during the course of the office visit, instead
recommending the dosage being administered at home after the prescription
is filled at the local compounding pharmacy.  There is a good reason for
this.  A truly knowledgeable pharmacist will provide the first clue of
this when he asks you, "What flavor would you like?"  Feel free to assume
he means "what flavor your ferret would like".  When dealing with flagyl,
the question is rhetorical.
 
The following procedure will greatly simplify the administration of the
medication:
 
Before taking medication out of the sack from the pharmacy, place your
ferret inside his cage.  Padlock the door.  Place the cage in the
bathroom.  Close the door.  Block the closed door with a heavy piece
of furniture.
 
Dress comfortably.  A washable, long sleeved, heavy cotton shirt is
recommended.  Eye protection is mandatory.  Sunglasses will provide
adequate protection if safety glasses are not available.  Shoes should
be comfortable for running.  Pants should be washable and loose fitting
to provide full range of motion.
 
Turn on your stereo.  Turn up the volume until nearby windows rattle.
Take the medication out of the sack.  Shake well.  Using the provided
syringe, draw the prescribed amount into the syringe.  Disregard any
sounds you might hear coming from your bathroom.
 
Draw 3ml of Ferretone (Furotone or Linatone etc,) into a large dropper or
syringe.  Have a similarly attired assistant hold the Ferretone dropper.
 
Place a call to your local Animal Control Department and explain the
situation.  An experienced Animal Control Department will send two
officers to the scene immediately.  Inexperienced ACD's will send two
officers just out of curiosity.  When the Animal Control Officers arrive,
have them extract and secure the ferret in the bathroom.  Don't worry
about the screams, these people are trained and get paid to do this.
 
Once the ferret is secure, you may place the medication dropper against
the clenched teeth of the ferret and express a few drops of the
medication.  Step back quickly.  Have your assistant repeat the procedure
with the Ferretone dropper.  Repeat this procedure until all medication
has been administered.
 
The ferret may then be released.
 
A high pressure sprayer attached to your garden hose will expedite
cleanup.
 
Debi Christy
Ferrets First Foster Home
www.ferrets1st.com
[Posted in FML issue 5013]