HEALTH (cont.) [from previous FMLs]

Foot rot.
This is described as ..." The flesh around the claws become sore and
soon feverish, the divisions between also get the same way and proud
flesh (tender swelling) forms. The tail is affected in the same way."
This is caused by putting the ferrets away without ensuring that mud
and moisture is cleaned and washed from the feet and they are dried
after a working day. Other causes are said to be dirty hutches and
using wire mesh floors.

Treatment is decribed as..."Washing with soap and water will suffice,
a litttle plain water may then be applied followed by anointing with
a mixture of equal parts of turpentine and powdered sulphur (major
antiseptic before penicillin) or bathing them in a solution of Condy's
fluid (Potassium permanganate- an antiseptic)) then dry the feet and a
mixture if 1 part mercury ointment (antiseptic) and 7 parts benzoated
lard (pig fat with resin from frankinsense) is applied." and with the
additional comment "Prevention is better than cure".

Scab or mange.
Known to be identical to sarcoptic mange in dogs. quarantining of new
stock is advised.

Common treatments seem to be sulphur with a variety of oils to make a
thin ointment.

Staggers.
Not really described but sometimes seen in late stage of distemper
(this is probably the neurological state of real distemper. Treatment
given as "48 drops of bromide of arsenic in 4oz. of water (added to
bread and milk)" (No survival rate quoted.).

Disinfection of hutch and feeding utensils with burning sulphur or a
proprietry product recommended, bedding etc burnt.

I am not sure if this is the consequent of real distemper or insulinoma
(not known of at the time) from bread and milk diet, probably both.

Worms.
Commonly seen, treated with powdered areca nut (known as a de-wormer
since medieval times) in milk twice a day three hours apart followed
after 1/2 hour by 5-6 drops castor oil

Cuts.
Bathe with Condy's fluid followed by boracic aid ointment.

Ticks.
Not to be forcibly removed, treat with paraffin (kerosene) and sweet
oil?? to kill ticks and then remove.

Fleas and Lice.
Either treat as ticks or spray with spirits of camphor (similiar to
modern moth products) and then comb out.. Bedding etc to be replaced.

Well that seems to be the sum total of knowledge at the time,
insulinoma not known, adrenal disease not existing as all animals
kept entire. There has never been rabies in the UK so not known,
hyperestrogenism in intact unmated females not understood, ulcers
unknown, intestinal parasites other than worms not known, no veterinary
services, no antibiotics, no vaccinations, no xrays, no blood tests, no
humane euthanasia (sick ferrets probably just knocked on the head, no
alternative).

Thank goodness our knowledge has advanced, you can't criticise because
thats all there was. (and for humans too to a large extent)

Tony

[Posted in FML 6394]