Honestly, ferrets do NOT usually need furball preps, and when they do
it is usually only during shedding seasons, and not even always then.

If this ferret has developed intestinal dependence on them from daily
use and does not seem to be able to get past that dependence (i.e.
becomes very constipated) then -- at a time that is ***very separate***
from when meds are given so that the meds are not rushed through before
they can be used by the ferret's body try some petroleum jelly, and if
some flavoring is needed add a little something that is liked.

Furball meds work by being indigestible and dragging the fur along with
them. That is why fats and oils (which actually slow digestion and are
fully digestible if not overdone) do NOT work for that use.

Given the types of medical conditions present and the seriousness of
some of the needed meds you definitely need to discuss this with your
treating vet. Leave a phone message explaining the situation including
the medical conditions present and ask for a call back at the vets
convenience.

If the ferret is not constipated don't even worry about giving any
since we are past shedding seasons. Fur ball preparations are possibly
the most over-used things which can and often should be reduced in home
use. There was a lot of hype which sold them early on and too many
people never questioned it. Heck, that has even led to some people in
places which didn't suffer that hype to think that it needed in the
U.S. due to differences in either the diet or the ferrets. Nope, not
so. It is just over-done.

One difference that does exist which can cause problems, though, is
that here in the U.S. there are quite a few beds and huts with exposed
fake sheep's fleece which is made from a non-digestible and fine and
squiggly fiber. Ferrets often take food into such places and eat it.
The "hairs" from that fleece have been reported by multiple people as
having been found in "fur" balls when they were looked at more closely.
Steve and I are among those who encountered that exact problem with a
"fur" ball that was almost entirely fake sheep's fleece when looked at
though it caught other things as it grew but to a lesser extent, so I
have sewn sheet material over all exposed fake sheep's fleece. No more
problems. Not only that, but the bedding became easier to clean and it
lasts longer. I no longer buy anything with exposed fake sheep's
fleece. That is the easiest solution. Now, if only the makers of such
products would cover it and then advertise "soft fake sheep's fleece
covered for cushioning, safety, and ease of care".

Sukie (not a vet)

Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html

[Posted in FML 5622]