To Chris with the ferrets with colds:
 
        I would certainly suggest Amoxicillin to cover the ferrets while the
cold has knocked their immune system for a loop.  If you want to offer them
Pedialyte in addition to their water, that's fine, but don't substitute it.  If
they refuse to drink it, they may just become dehydrated instead.
 
        I have never heard of the Vicks.  Sounds like a mess and I think it may
just cause a lot of problems.  As well the cough syrup - most syrups contain
decongestants and some have depressants in them - I wouldn't take a chance on
either of them.
 
        Make sure they eat and drink, and give them some antibiotics - if it is
truly a cold, they shoudl come around in 1-2 weeks.  I know you hate to hear
them hack and wheeze, but it's better than giving something that may make a
worse problem.
 
Also to anon- with a similar question - the dosage for Amoxicillin is
10 mg/lb, or about half an eyedropper full for the average sized ferret.
 
Bruce Williams, DVM
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[Posted in FML issue 0709]