RE: Safety Concerns Regarding Administration of Herbals to Ferrets

As a long-time FML "reader" but very rare "poster" I felt compelled to
respond to the article, 'Flower Essences' posted by M. Conley [Sat.,
Jan 13, 2007]. The article recommends treating ferrets with an array
of botanical and homeopathic ingredients, stating: "These remedies are
harmless, very gentle, and can work in layers (if needed)."

Simply stated-these recommendations are both nonsense and dangerous to
your ferrets.

While there is no doubt that some plants are medically useful (FDA just
approved a topical green tea extract as a prescription human drug for
genital warts this past October), NO EVIDENCE currently exists to
support the claims made in Conley's article. More important, some of
the listed ingredients have known toxicities.

For signs of illness, take your ferret to a licensed veterinarian who
specializes in ferrets. If you do not know of one in your area, contact
the American Ferret Association [1-888-FERRET-1] or post a message to
this mailing list.

Ferrets are like human babies: they can get sick very fast and go
downhill very rapidly.

Giving unproven therapies can do more harm than good, particularly to
someone who is sick. Even though herbals are "natural," they can cause
serious adverse events (including death), allergic reactions, as well
as interfere with diagnosis or with known treatments, or cause a delay
in seeking bona fide medical/surgical intervention.

_____________________________________________

EXAMPLE:

Chaparral is highly toxic and can cause severe and permanent liver
disease that is sometimes fatal. Chaparral can also cause kidney
damage, and may cause dangerous interactions with a variety of
medications and herbs. In 1968, the FDA recommended that the herb not
be taken internally. Other side effects of chaparral use can include
fatigue, stomach pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and itching.
This herb should be avoided, especially by women who are pregnant
or breast-feeding. [From the American Cancer Society's website]

_____________________________________________

FAH

[Anyone interested in my expertise re: ferrets or botanicals can do a
quick web search]

Freddie Ann Hoffman, MD
HeteroGeneity, LLC
Washington, DC

<http://www.heterogeneity-LLC.com>

[Posted in FML 5488]