>  ***Subject: Raw skin above vulva
>
>My ferret recently lost use in one of her hind legs and 'crawls' to get
>around now.  Doing so has caused an area above (not on) her vulva (the
>size of a quarter) to become irritated.  At first it looked like an
>Indian sunburn (when someone twists the skin on your arm with both of
>their hands in opposite directions) but now it's dark red and moist.
>I've tried vaseline and Neosporin but neither is helping.  It stays
>moist and irritated because she's always rubbing it on the carpet while
>crawling and after going to the bathroom.  I try to keep the area clean
>with baby wipes but the sore is not going away.  Does anyone know what
>else might help?  ***
 
I have found a wonderful product for this type of irritation.  You will
need to find a vet that carries it.  It does not need to be a ferret savy
vet, as the bottle I have came from a 'regular' vet.  When Baby had DIM,
her bottom got very sore and irritated, and you could almost 'see' this
powder work.
 
It is called Neo-Predef (R).  It is a medicated powder that comes in a
soft plastic bottle with a small hole in the top, under the cap.  You
gently squeeze the bottle to spray the powder on the wound.  I took my
finger tip and spread it around any areas the powder didn't adhere
immediately to.
 
This should protect and heal the area.  It is a powder with neomycin
sulfate, isoflupredone acetate, and tetracaine HCL.  It is for topical
use in animals only.
 
I would call around for a vet that carries it and explain your ferret's
skin problem, and ask if they would evaluate her and possibly prescribe
this for her.  ANY vet should be able to assess a skin abrasion.
 
There is a similar product that comes in a liquid spray, but it has to be
massaged in, and we found that to be painful, so we much preferred being
able to dust with the powder.
 
Julie
 
Julie Fossa
FL (772)228-9067
OH (419)225-8158
West Central Ohio Ferret Shelter
http://www.wcofs.org
International Ferret Congress
http://ferretcongress.org/
[Posted in FML issue 5232]