Several FMLers have said, in defense of Colloidal Silver, that we should all
be more tolerant of natural, holistic, homeopathic,and other alternative
medical approaches.  I have no prejudices for or against such approaches.
My philosophy about medicine, both for fuzzies and myself, is "whatever
works." Thus, whatever may have brought about improvements noted by owners
who have administered CS to their ferrets, I rejoice in their good fortune.
 
I am at a loss, though, to understand why anyone would characterize
Colloidal Silver as a "natural" remedy, since, so far as I am aware, it is
not a substance occuring in nature but rather a manufactured product.
 
Also, while it *may* be the case that CS is harmless to ferrets in small
enough doses, and *may* in some cases even facilitate short-term
improvements, all the consequences of prolonged or habitual use are simply
not known.  On the other hand - and this is what first got me thinking about
this question - I am acquainted with at least one case in which a ferret
subjected to regular doses of CS was recently diagnosed as suffering from
severe heavy metal toxicity, with no other apparent cause.
[Posted in FML issue 1373]