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Cold and Flu tips...
According to Sukie it's not a good idea to use Vicks on ferrets. Found this on the FML
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 02:53:38 -0500 From: Sukie Crandall <sukie@MAC.COM> Subject: Vicks Vaporub can be dangerous for ferrets and for human infants
Abstract on why and how it can worsen the situation:
>Chest. 2009 Jan;135(1):143-8. >Vicks VapoRub induces mucin secretion, decreases ciliary beat >frequency, and increases tracheal mucus transport in the ferret >trachea. >Abanses JC, Arima S, Rubin BK. >Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, >Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1081, USA. >Comment in: >Chest. 2009 Aug;136(2):650; author reply 650-1. >BACKGROUND: Vicks VapoRub (VVR) [Proctor and Gamble; Cincinnati, OH] >is often used to relieve symptoms of chest congestion. We cared for a >toddler in whom severe respiratory distress developed after VVR was >applied directly under her nose. We hypothesized that VVR induced >inflammation and adversely affected mucociliary function, and tested >this hypothesis in an animal model of airway inflammation. >METHODS: [1] Trachea specimens excised from 15 healthy ferrets were >incubated in culture plates lined with 200 mg of VVR, and the mucin >secretion was compared to those from controls without VVR. Tracheal >mucociliary transport velocity (MCTV) was measured by timing the >movement of 4 microL of mucus across the trachea. Ciliary beat >frequency (CBF) was measured using video microscopy. [2] Anesthetized >and intubated ferrets inhaled a placebo or VVR that was placed at >the proximal end of the endotracheal tube. We evaluated both healthy >ferrets and animals in which we first induced tracheal inflammation >with bacterial endotoxin (a lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). Mucin secretion >was measured using an enzyme-linked lectin assay, and lung water was >measured by wet/dry weight ratios. >RESULTS: [1] Mucin secretion was increased by 63% over the controls in >the VVR in vitro group (p < 0.01). CBF was decreased by 35% (p < 0.05) >in the VVR group. [2] Neither LPS nor VVR increased lung water, but >LPS decreased MCTV in both normal airways (31%) and VVR-exposed >airways (30%; p = 0.03), and VVR increased MCTV by 34% in LPS-inflamed >airways (p = 0.002). >CONCLUSIONS: VVR stimulates mucin secretion and MCTV in the >LPS-inflamed ferret airway. This set of findings is similar to the >acute inflammatory stimulation observed with exposure to irritants, >and may lead to mucus obstruction of small airways and increased >nasal resistance. >PMID: 19136404 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 07:15:17 -0800 From: Troy Lynn Eckart <sprite@KSU.EDU> Subject: Sinupret kids version
Some may remember that I've been dealing with Pasteurella in the ferrets for over 3 years now. We've tried multiple antibiotics alone and in combinations trying to clear this up.
The other day I was reading about Sinupret for kids, support for healthy sinus and respiratory function. I printed off the information and faxed it to our vet asking if it would be o.k. to give the ferrets. http://www.bionoricausa.com/product-details/sinupret-for-kids I've used sinus remedy (colloidal silver) which helps them but it doesn't clear up the pasteurella in the 3 ferrets that keep having it recur.
Larry called later and said he didn't see anything in the ingredients that would be harmful to the ferrets and the ingredients should take down inflammation so I decided it was worth a try. I have sinus issues too and tried it first. I ordered it specifically to help little Leo but it arrived the day after he died (in his sleep). sigh. I noticed within 20 minutes that it took down nasal inflammation on me.
I found the alcohol content a bit high and could taste it. My ferrets must like alcohol because they lap it right up and look for more!
I started the ferrets on 0.1 of a cc twice a day. I'm happy to report that it is helping! I have 3 ferrets that have been plagued with pasteurella for some time and all 3 are responding favorably. I'm hearing less sneezing and snarkling. It's been a week.
For those who have ferrets with sneezing or the flu, you might want to print off the info and ask your vet about using it for them. There is an adult version but we are using Sinupret for kids oral solution.
I just discovered a new site with liquid melatonin that gives free shipping and has a special going on. http://www.puritan.com/ I got 5 two ounce bottles for only $9.58 with free shipping. This is sugar free and no alcohol.
SUBLINGUAL MELATONIN LIQUID CHERRY (2 oz. Liquid) It says 1 dropper equals 1mg of melatonin.
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Gracie sees the vet
We are home and oh so happy! Dr S says Gracie looks great and her blood work shows she is doing very well. He said by just looking at her and her activity lever you would think she was maybe 2 or 3 years old. He was the vet for both of her parents and has cared for her since birth. He said keep up the liquid Melatonin. Thank you Carol for the great info you gave on the Melatonin a few years ago.
