>From:    "Deborah W. Kemmerer, DVM" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Descenting, etc
 
Dr. Kemmerer is of the folks that helped us change "our position" on
descenting.  We still feel descenting is basically a waste of money.  BUT if
a veterinarian of the stature of Dr. Kemmerer is not entirely opposed to
descenting it would be silly if us as merely a shelter operator and breeder
somehow decided we knew more than she did.
 
Dr. Tom Kawasaki is another of the more important veterinarians heavily
involved in ferrets.  He recommends against descenting but he will perform
the operation.  His staff is more upset with descenting operations due to
the occaisional nicked sac that generates a smell that can clear a building.
 
Sally Heber, president of the American Ferret Association, has expressed her
feelings as if it is the only way that someone can keep their ferrets than
its okay.  (paraphrased not an exact quote)
 
We know about Swedish law but it doesn't have a strong bearing on our
feelings.
 
This is probably not an issue that is worthy of such intense feelings.
 
>From:    "Karen Purcell, DVM" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: pro plan
 
Just using this post just to weigh in on the issue.
 
Pro Plan Feline Growth (basically their equivalent to kitten) is widely used
by both shelters and breeders (that are OFTEN the same people) in our area
to apparently great success.  Most of these folks do prefer Totally Ferret
nutritionally but have to make decisions based on economic reasons, problems
with Totally Ferret staining white ferrets yellow, and the fact that Totally
Ferret's original formula is basically a ferret growth (kit?) food so choose
to use a feline (cat/kitten) food along with Totally Ferret.  Our choice is
Iams.  The still relatively new maintenance Totally Ferret formula may
affect this.
 
Food choice is another issue that for some reason takes on aspects of a
religious choice.
 
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
http://www.zenferret.com/
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[Posted in FML issue 2205]