I am a big advocate of taking your fuzzies outside (on harness and
leash). There are so many positives for the ferrets. But there are
dangers, even just walking them your yard or park. Last Friday night,
a short walk in the park behind our house (which we do with the boys
on a regular basis) ended up in an animal ER. As Loki was rubbing and
rolling in the long grass as usual, I felt a couple of stings on my
leg. Fire ANTS! As I was getting them off my feet, Loki (who was 8ft
away on his leash) started rolling frantically. I picked him up and
brushed about six ants off his belly. A few minutes later at home,
Loki had a full blown anaphylactic reaction- vomiting, disorientation,
panic, respiratory distress and immediate bloody diarrhea. I was able
to administer SQ Benedryl, Decadron and oral Pepcid (which he didn't
keep down). This treatment was enough to sustain him for the 30+ minute
drive to the nearest animal ER (which does not REALLY see ferrets, but
were knowledgeable enough and agreed to treat him, we called before
leaving the house). Amazing, in Atlanta there is only ONE ER which will
even consider treating a ferret! Short version- he was kept overnight
and sent home the next morning, continued tx. with Carafate and Pepcid.
He has made a full recovery and is doing well. I am looking into the
possibility of an epipen for ferrets. Don't know if this exists for
such small animals.

Fire ants exist all over the US and are thriving! You can decrease
their population in a small area, such as a yard, but you can not
totally eradicate them. During times of drought, their mounds are
much more difficult to spot (they tend to be flush with the ground
during drought- which Georgia has been in for several years now) and
they increase their foraging range. Unfortunately, by the time you
feel their first sting, there are usually quite a few on you and
sting at the same time. You have more of a chance of encountering
these awful insects in urbanized areas where the is a disturbance
in the earth/dirt. Be careful and be alert.

Lesley

[Posted in FML 6035]