To Elizabeth Elliott:
 
A broken and discolored tooth is highly suggestive of a dead tooth.  Dead
teeth may be a source of pain, or a source of infection.  While many may go on
for years without causing any problems for a ferret, it is always best to have
your vet take a look at it to see if it should be removed.  Or course, a root
canal may be performed if it is a canine tooth and you want to protect your
ferret's perfect smile....
 
Raisins will not cause tooth decay.  Ferrets do not get tooth decay like
humans because they don't have the high amount of refined sugar in their diet
like we do, and their mouth chemistry is all different.  Be careful with
raisins, however - one or two tops a day - they are high in fiber and more
than that are difficult to digest and can cause a blockage.
 
Bruce Williams, DVM  [log in to unmask]  OR  [log in to unmask]
(202) 782-2600   Department of Vet Path, AFIP  Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
[Posted in FML issue 1106]