Hi,
I posted info on the FHL regarding some information that may be helpful
to ferrets that are having trouble urinating due to paralysis or
perhaps even some other reasons. Since I received a lot of email from
people who appreciated the post, I thought it might be good to post the
info here as well. Please copy/paste/cross-post this info anywhere it
may be used to possibly help a needy animal.

-jennifer

From the FML.... [From the FHL, not the FML. BIG]
A hind leg paralysis case came to the forum I frequent. The ferret
was found dragging its hind legs,and she also could not urinate with
having to have her bladder expressed. Since I have experience as a
wildlife rehabber, I recommended the typical therapies -particularly
resistance/strength training and swimming. The ferret responded and
began using her legs a bit. She still lacked the ability to urinate on
her own, which is a huge problem. It dawned on me (Doh!) that if this
little girl had a chance for recovery of her bladder function, then
"stimulation" techniques applied to baby animals may help.

Many people do not realize that many baby animals no not pee and/or
poop on their own. The mom stimulates this function by licking their
parts. Many see this as simply cleaning up the babies, but the
function is three-fold:
1. it serves to stimulate urination and defecation 2. It cleans the
babies 3. It also keep the den clean.

To stimulate a a "potty" response. use a soft cloth (toilet tissue
works fine). Wet the cloth with warm water and wring it out (or wet the
toilet tissue but don't make it too soggy. ) Gently rub the genitals
with the warm wet cloth to replication the action of a mom licking he
babies. the warm moisture and the "lick action" causes relaxation (some
babies have fallen asleep in my hands!) and the ability to urinate. The
same technique is used to stimulate defecation. PLEASE NOTE...you want
to stimulate urination and defecation using different cloths to prevent
introduction of bacteria into the urinary opening (i.e. risk of serious
infection!!!)

The little ferret has responded as follows:
1. She actually learned to lick herself to urinate (WOW!!)
2. She can also urinate on her own , but she needs to move around/walk
a bit to help this happen.

Her owner is no longer the keeper of her ability to urinate!!! This has
been a huge success for this little girl who has been able to regain
quite a bit of mobility along with recovering her bladder function to
the point of "self control".

This may not help in all cases, but the possibility of helping even one
ferret makes this worth sharing.

-jennifer

[Posted in FML 6798]