This first question goes to Dr. Williams:
 
My ferrets had earmites and this was confirmed by our local vet.  He
gave us drops to use for 30 days.  On for 10 days, off for 10, then on
for another 10.  Each time I gave them their drops I cleaned their ears
with a solution provided by the vet.  I applied the solution with a
Q-Tip, let it soak in for a minute, removed the ear wax with a clean
Q-Tip, then administered the ear-mite drops.  I found that on the last
day of the last cycle my female seemed to be in pain form the drops.
One of her ears had a slightly dark tint to it when I gave her the
drops.  I assume this may have been the drops mixing in with dried
blood.  Can you explain exactly how a ferret's ear should be cleaned,
and what type of Q-Tip or cloth should be used?
 
Also, my female seems to have a cough/sneeze.  I thought it might be a
hairball since they are shedding right now.  I bought some
over-the-counter stuff for cats.  It comes in a tooth-paste like tube
and comes out in a thin line.  It said to place about one inch of the
medication on your hand and let the animal eat it.  They loved it and it
seemed to have worked.  After the application she stopped coughing.  The
problem arose two days later when she had diarhea three times on the
carpet (white carpet nonetheless!).  Is this a normal reaction to that
type of treatment???
 
Dr. Williams, I would like to take the time to thank you for all of your
help.  I praise you for the time you have spent helping all of us here
on the FML.  You have proven to me to be an INVALUABLE source of
information in helping to provide my ferrets with the best care
possible.  Thanks!!!!
 
Regards...  [log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 0974]