We have tried the ear-rubbing version (there's a technical term for it which totally escapes me at the moment). It did not seem to be as effective as the oral version, so we went back to torturing with the oral type. However... In cases where we have a ferret that has other complicating symptoms, stomach ulcers, not eating, post-surgical, or just old age with an extremely stressed reception to the oral flagyl, we still will use the ear-rubbing version. Whenever the stress of medicating is worse than the illness, I don't see a lot of sense in medicating with the oral version, since, in ferrets, stress can be such a huge factor in recovery time. On the 'technical' side of it, my vet feels that oral Flagyl (an antibiotic that survives un-absorbed until it reaches the intestinal tract <-- my understanding of it) puts more of the medicine where it's needed, while the ear-rubbed version must rely on the blood system to carry it there. With that said, the following is a JOKE: Tips for Proper Administration of Flagyl In the life of every ferret, the day the vet prescribes flagyl eventually comes. The ferret owner will immediately notice that the vet does not give the ferret a dose during the course of the office visit, instead recommending the dosage being administered at home after the prescription is filled at the local compounding pharmacy. There is a good reason for this. A truly knowledgeable pharmacist will provide the first clue of this when he asks you, "What flavor would you like?" Feel free to assume he means "what flavor your ferret would like". When dealing with flagyl, the question is rhetorical. The following procedure will greatly simplify the administration of the medication: Before taking medication out of the sack from the pharmacy, place your ferret inside his cage. Padlock the door. Place the cage in the bathroom. Close the door. Block the closed door with a heavy piece of furniture. Dress comfortably. A washable, long sleeved, heavy cotton shirt is recommended. Eye protection is mandatory. Sunglasses will provide adequate protection if safety glasses are not available. Shoes should be comfortable for running. Pants should be washable and loose fitting to provide full range of motion. Turn on your stereo. Turn up the volume until nearby windows rattle. Take the medication out of the sack. Shake well. Using the provided syringe, draw the prescribed amount into the syringe. Disregard any sounds you might hear coming from your bathroom. Draw 3ml of Ferretone (Furotone or Linatone etc,) into a large dropper or syringe. Have a similarly attired assistant hold the Ferretone dropper. Place a call to your local Animal Control Department and explain the situation. An experienced Animal Control Department will send two officers to the scene immediately. Inexperienced ACD's will send two officers just out of curiosity. When the Animal Control Officers arrive, have them extract and secure the ferret in the bathroom. Don't worry about the screams, these people are trained and get paid to do this. Once the ferret is secure, you may place the medication dropper against the clenched teeth of the ferret and express a few drops of the medication. Step back quickly. Have your assistant repeat the procedure with the Ferretone dropper. Repeat this procedure until all medication has been administered. The ferret may then be released. A high pressure sprayer attached to your garden hose will expedite cleanup. Debi Christy Ferrets First Foster Home www.ferrets1st.com [Posted in FML issue 5013]