So, I took a chance and put my money where my mouth is. I PAID a lab to take ferret feces (collected at the moment of dropping and transferred to a sterile nutrient broth (don't ask), then inoculate a series of blood agar plates, 12 with colloidal silver treatments of various dilutions (ranging from straight out of a new bottle, to a few drops in what would be a typical duck soup), 12 with NO treatment, and 12 with various commonly used antibiotics. These plates were done with the same care and treatment as for human microbiology, and were evaluated at the same level. The results speak for themselves. Of the 12 agar plates treated with various antibiotics, growth was either inhibited or prevented. Of the 12 plates that received NO treatment, growth was fairly rapid, and after 3 days covered more than 75% of the plate. Of the 12 plates treated with colloidal silver, the results were EXACTLY the same as those treated with nothing. In other words, the application of colloidal silver MADE NO DIFFERENCE TO THE GROWTH OF INTESTINAL FLORA on the agar plates. In both the untreated and silver treated plates, growth varied, but ranged from moderate to heavy, and differences were statistically insignificant between the two groups in terms of bacterial growth (colonization), spread, number of species present, presence of fungus, and size of colonies. This wasn't a rigidly controlled experiment, although the controls through the lab met CAP standards, and are standard in treating infected humans. The tests should be verified independently by others, using feces from other ferrets eating a variety of diets, and other batches of colloidal silver (I only used CS from the largest two web-based retailers). But the results do suggest that the effectiveness of colloidal silver is much less than suggested by its proponents. Look for yourself. The accompanying photo shows four blood agar plates inoculated with bacteria from the ferret feces colony. They were randomly, blindly selected for the photo. Here is your test: three plates are either CS plates or untreated, and the remaining plate is the opposite. Which plates--or plates--were untreated, and which were covered with CS prior to inoculation? If ANYONE can tell me, I'll shut up on this subject forever (not just guessing, but saying WHY they think so). So the gauntlet is thrown. It is now time for colloidal silver proponents to fish or cut bait. If they disagree with this little (and costly) experiment of mine, then duplicate it and prove it faulty. I will gladly send a copy of my research design to ANY person with a legitimate interest (i.e., not just curious. but someone attempting to verify the results). I have nothing against alternative methods of treatment as long as they are used carefully, with the participation of a licensed vet, and with substances that have proven effectiveness (and with quality control). Unless that can be shown, I consider the case for colloidal silver to be closed. Bob C http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list/message/12817?expand [Posted in FML issue 3770]