Vets rely on definite indications for the use of antibiotics ( or at least the good vets do.) I'm not wanting to be an elitist here, but education and experience with using a range of antibiotics is imperative to be able to use them not only safely, but effectively. Antibiotics are not for use in any illness in animals or man, but there are specific indications for each one. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics results in generation of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, which in turn endangers us all. This is not a cautionary tale for people working in ferret rescues, but also for veterinarians, who, in pursuit of a quick fix and an easy buck in many cases, are the most egregious abusers of all. Antibiotics should not be part of a cocktail for ferrets who are not doing well. Each has a definite indication, and criteria that should be met before they are employed. An underweight animal off feed is not likely to benefit simply because antibiotics were used. Unfortunately, they are not "magic bullets" in the treatment of disease, much as we would like them to be. It takes far more integrity to resist "Doc, just give the ferret a shot" than it does to succumb to it - the idea of good medicine is to prescribe the appropriately identified treatment, not just the one conveniently located within arm's reach. I am happy to entertain any questions that you, or anyone else on the list has in the use of antibiotics, with or without a veterinarian's guidance. With kindest regards, Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP Join the Ferret Health List at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list [Posted in FML issue 3407]