Those who are genetically susceptible to getting cystine uroliths may
have a problem. Searches in the FML Archives and FHL Archives will
provide details on why those as well as high levels of any of the COLA
grouping of amino acids, cystine, ornithine, lysine, and arginine may
need to be restricted in those individuals. I trust people to search
the archives. The FML Archive address is in the header of each day's
digest.

There has been a lot of discussion of this topic in past issues of the
FML.

The problem is that unless you know the health issues of the specific
bloodlines you often do not know about this vulnerability being present
in an individual until the ferret blocks which can be fatal, especially
in the males.

We have had such ferrets live happy and long lives on protein
restriction, but that is not optimal for individuals who do not have
this problem. For those who have it that approach usually prevents
death, though a few also need meds.

First indication can be difficulty defficating due to the colon being
compressed by the stones in the bladder.

[Posted in FML 7963]