Dr. Williams said:
 
> The problem with raw fish is that it can cause several problems in
>mustelids (and other species) if given in too high amounts - 1 - the
>presence of thiaminase, an enzymes that renders thiamine in the diet
>inactive, can cause destruction of certain parts of the brain, resulting in
>a disease known as "Chastek's paralysis", and 2, raw fish is high in
>unsaturated fatty acids and can cause a degenerativ change in the fat of
>the body, known as steatitis.
 
Dr. Williams,
        Could there also be a third risk, that being parasitic flatworms
 (flukes, tapeworms, etc)?  Isn't raw fish consumption a major risk for
these parasites, or is this uncommon in Ferrets.
 
Just Wondering,
Dan
 
*******************************************************
*    Dan Eliot, Biology/Life Science Teacher          *
*    El Dorado High School, Placentia, CA             *
*    Snail Mail:  PO Box 1372, Placentia, CA 92670    *
*    E-Mail:      [log in to unmask]      *
*******************************************************
[Posted in FML issue 1246]