Here's just my two cents on a few things that have been posted lately.  I
am both a vet and an owner of ferrets, but its important to remember that
every ferret vet has their own opinions on these subjects.
 
First, I noticed that there weren't any comments to Liz's question on
scooping litter.  I use it with my own ferrets and cats, and I like it.
The major caution with scooping litter is that it clumps - both waste
products and possibly in the nasal or GI systems!  Any ferret (or kitten)
that ruts and tunnels through the litter could get some clumping litter
up into the nasal cavity or swallow some.  This could lead to a blockage.
My animals do not do this, so I feel comfortable using it.  My advise is
watch your pets carefully and avoid its use if there is any possibility of
it getting packed anywhere!
 
My next response is to Mike Janke's recommendation of going into your
veterinarian's office and making a big stink if they refuse to see you with
any emergency.  Of course, every clinic is different, but at my clinic this
is how I expect things to be handled.  If we are booked full and someone
feels that they have an emergency, they need to speak to one of the
doctors.  It's our decision then if it is or isn't any emergency.  We
almost always go to side of caution and work the client in.  If I don't
feel it's any emergency - like that ear infection that just hasn't cleared
up in the two weeks the owners has waited - I won't fit them in during
regular hours, but offer the option to call or pay after hours emergency
fees.  Anyone who feels that they can come in and demand to be seen and
make a stink in the waiting room about how much they spend - usually aren't
welcomed and can go to the emergency clinic in town or another vets office.
It's just isn't fair to the people who make appointments and are in the
waiting room waiting for their turn.  Again, this is just my opinion on
things, but I don't care for people who unrightfully make a commotion and
demand service.
 
Dr. Anon.
[Posted in FML issue 2826]