To all concerning ear cleaning...
 
Mike Janke reminded me:
 
>We use "OTI-CLENS" for ear cleaning.  I'm pretty sure you can only get it
>from your vet.
 
That's the name of the cerumenolytic I was looking for.  No anitbiotics, but
it dissolves waxd very nicely.  My drug of choice for routine ear care.
 
>In my highly unprofessional opinion, I think using a q-tip may just push the
>gunk further into the ear but I have yet to ask my vet if using oti-clens in
>the way described on the bottle is ok for ferrets... though I don't see why
>it wouldn't be.
 
Yes, it's okay in ferrets.  With the use of Oti-Clens, or a similar product,
the Q-tip is used just to pick the loose wax out of the canal.  Because the
ferret has a verticla and horizontal ear canal, not just a horizontal, ear
canal as in humans, you can't hit the ear drum with a q-tip, and if you pay
attention, you won't pack it in.  Vets have been cleaning ears with cotton
swabs since time immemorial.  But using Oticlens first is the "cadillac" way
to go.
 
<Directions state filling the ear canal, massage a bit and let 'em loose.
<They'll shake their head a lot and the gunk will be expelled with the
<oti-clens.  We do it this way with our cat.
 
Yep, that's the way.
 
To Anon -
 
>I was told by my vet to avoid foods with fish or fish by products.  Anyone
>heard anything about this?  We don't have access to "ferret products" here,
>so my food resources are very limited.  Would appreciate any input.
 
This is a good example of good info gone awry.  The feeding of raw fish and
fish meal was done for years to minks and ferrets in Europe and other
countries.  Large amounts of raw fish contain both a substance
thatinactivates thiamine, which can lead to brain lesions if fed to
carnivores over a long period of time, and also products that causes
inflammation of the fat all throughout the body, causing a disease known as
steatitis.  It occassionally is seen today.
 
Cat foods that contain fish as a protein source are not the best choice for
your ferret, but they have been processed and can do no harm, as the harmful
ingredients are deactivated during the cooking and pelleting process.
 
Raw fish - no.  Dry cat food with fish meal - OK, (but not great.) A good
mix of protein sources, chicken, lamb, beef, with maybe a small amount of
fish is the best.
 
To Jan concerning Sylvester -
 
Jan, I syumpathize with your loss.  I think your tribute to Sylvester is
most assuredly in order, and careful monitoring of our pet and early trips
to the vets cannot be stressed enough.
 
Cardiomyopathy is a serious problem in ferrets, and the more people know the
early warning signs, the earlier intervention and treatment can begin.
 
I'm sure Sylvester had a wonderful life, and I'm glad the end was quick for
him.  Best of luck.
 
Bruce Williams
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[Posted in FML issue 0762]