Vets rely on definite indications for the use of antibiotics ( or at least
the good vets do.)  I'm not wanting to be an elitist here, but education
and experience with using a range of antibiotics is imperative to be able
to use them not only safely, but effectively.  Antibiotics are not for use
in any illness in animals or man, but there are specific indications for
each one.  The indiscriminate use of antibiotics results in generation of
antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, which in turn endangers us all.
This is not a cautionary tale for people working in ferret rescues, but
also for veterinarians, who, in pursuit of a quick fix and an easy buck
in many cases, are the most egregious abusers of all.
 
Antibiotics should not be part of a cocktail for ferrets who are not doing
well.  Each has a definite indication, and criteria that should be met
before they are employed.  An underweight animal off feed is not likely to
benefit simply because antibiotics were used.  Unfortunately, they are not
"magic bullets" in the treatment of disease, much as we would like them
to be.  It takes far more integrity to resist "Doc, just give the ferret
a shot" than it does to succumb to it - the idea of good medicine is to
prescribe the appropriately identified treatment, not just the one
conveniently located within arm's reach.
 
I am happy to entertain any questions that you, or anyone else on the list
has in the use of antibiotics, with or without a veterinarian's guidance.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
 
Join the Ferret Health List at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list
[Posted in FML issue 3407]