I vowed I would quit posting on the FML, but I just couldn't let this pass.
Isoflurane and ketamine both have their places for ferret anesthesia, and
neither should be excluded from use.  I've been watching this debate develop
for quite some time.
 
I've used both Iso and ketamine for years in ferrets, for different
purposes, and they're both very safe.  If you experienced ferrets taking
DAYS to recover from ketamine, then they were being overdosed.  It's that
simple.  A combination of xylazine and ketamine in proper doses allows a
ferret to sleep for about three hours.  You can pretty much set your watch
by it.  That combination also allows a far greater ability to reduce pain
than Isoflurane (which provides NO analgesia after the animal wakes up).
Ketamine can also be used in combination with isoflurane.
 
PCP is absolutely NOT the same thing as ketamine.  It's much more potent,
and has far more side effects.  It is very dangerous in any animal but pigs
and a few exotics.
 
OK, since I made this post, I'd like to say "THANK YOU" so much to all the
people who sent their sympathies and condolences on the loss of my beloved
Pogo.  I could not send individual thanks to everyone, but please know that
I read every email at least once and I am very grateful for your thoughts.
 
Sincerely,
 
Debbie Kemmerer DVM
[Posted in FML issue 2361]