In Issue 33:  Pre-surgical fasting times are a topic:
 
 Date: Sun, 04 Mar 2001 05:47:35 -0000
 Subject: Re: question regarding fasting before surgery
 
Dear Sue -
 
A fast of 4 hours is probably appropriate for most animals.  The GI transit
time of healthy ferrets is significantly less than dogs and cats, for which
an 8 hour fast is appropriate.  The ferret stomach usually empties in 90
minutes, but the extra time is probably warranted, and will not cause any
adverse effects.
 
Fasts should be no longer than 4 hours for any animal with a history of
hypoglycemia.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM
 
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[Posted in FML issue 3349]