I have heard from the article author with a reply that I am allowed
to share.  IT SOUNDS LIKE AN APPROACH THAT MAY HELP FERRETS OUTSIDE
THE LAB ANIMAL COMMUNITY.
 
BEGIN QUOTE
 
On Jun 30, 2006, at 2:40 PM, Daniel E. McLain wrote:
 
Dear Sukie - the device is new but the IV technique is adapted from
published information for other species and uses the caudal artery or
vein for fluid administration or blood sampling.  Because the tail is
isolated by the device it is difficult (if not impossible) to remove
the i.v. catheter.  The caudal vein can be accessed repeatedly so
there is no reason to use an indwelling catheter, meaning the patient
is free to roam after the period of treatment.  More often than not,
my animals (which admittedly could never have been described as VERY
ill) chose to remain in the tube.  Some simply slept.  Others liked
the familiar tunnel-like confinement.  A food morsel usually coaxed
them out.
 
With respect to the humane treatment of very ill animals, I have
always enjoyed my ferrets thus was obligated to design a clinical-use
device that was safe, comfortable and fun.  Depending on the illness
or injury there may always be situations when only a very
loving/caring pair of hands will work.  However, if your animal still
maintains his/her innate sense of curiosity even in their illness then
this device will work for you, and provide some joy to your patient as
well.  Images of the device are in the published article.
Unfortunately I did not purchase a reprint supply.
 
You are the first to contact me about the device and my first
information that the article is (or will soon be) available.  If you
think that the device merits due consideration then please feel free
to post about it, and don't hesitate to contact me with additional
questions.
 
END QUOTE
 
I sent him:
>Having had some ferrets who can remove an IV in fewer than 10 seconds
>I am curious if this involves and new device or a anew technique, and
>if so if it is a humane way to help very ill ferrets.  All that I have
>access to right now is this:
>
> Lab Anim (NY). 2006 Jul;35(7):47-50.
> Use of an adjustable restraint device for prolonged and intermittent
> intravenous infusion and blood sampling in ferrets.
>
> McLain DE.
> Walker Downey & Associates, Inc., Product Safety and Development
> Consulting, 7565 Heather Knoll Lane, Sauk Prairie Estates, Verona,
> WI 53593. [log in to unmask]
> PMID: 16807566 [PubMed - in process]
 
-- Sukie (not a vet, and not speaking for any of the below in my
private posts)
Recommended health resources to help ferrets and the people who love
them:
Ferret Health List
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
FHL Archives
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
AFIP Ferret Pathology
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
Miamiferrets
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/
International Ferret Congress Critical References
http://www.ferretcongress.org
[Posted in FML issue 5291]