|
Post by brittanyf on Jul 3, 2011 16:17:21 GMT -4
Hi, I was just wondering if anybody knows why ferrets grind their teeth? I have 2 ferrets. I've had one since 2009, and the other since 2010. The one I got in 2009, his name is Boomer, and the other is Tobi. I have noticed lately that Boomer has been grinding his teeth when he's eating. He hasn't done this before, and I was just curious as to why he is doing it now. If anybody could help me out, or knows the reason why, can you message me back please! Thanks, Brittany
|
|
|
Post by Johnny and Demon on Jul 3, 2011 17:02:59 GMT -4
I could be ulcers .. grinding the teeth (a sure sign of abdominal pain), and the passage of thick, black, tarry stools are the most common signs of gastric ulcers
|
|
|
Post by Ellaine on Jul 4, 2011 11:29:14 GMT -4
Is he grinding his teeth at any other time? It could just be that he has food stuck in his mouth and is trying to get it off. Food like Marshall's that gets soft a little quicker can do that, at least from my experience from when my girl had that as most of her diet. It seemed to like getting stuck at the top of her mouth.
Otherwise, as Annik said, teeth grinding is a sign of pain. It could be from an ulcer, or it could be from anything causing discomfort such as a blockage. Does he seem lethargic at all? Is he still eating the same amount as he used to?
|
|
|
Post by Tressie on Jul 5, 2011 8:05:20 GMT -4
Hi Brittany,
Teeth grinding is a classic symptom of ulcers in ferrets. If he is passing black tarry stool then its already serious. You want to catch it before it progresses to that point.
All ferrets have Helicobacter bacteria, however, with stress these little buggies proliferate and cause ulcers. Just about anything will stress a ferret and the more sensitive their nature, the higher probability of ulcers developing.
He needs to be seen by a vet and put on the following protocol:
Sulcralfate - 20 - 30 minutes BEFORE eating. It acts like a band-aid and seals the irritated stomach lining.
Do not get Pepto-Bismol!! That was the old protocol that was used by vets centuries ago and some vets still use it, however, it is poorly tolerated. They HATE the taste and smell of it.
In addition he has to be on a combination antibiotic course for 2 weeks minimum. Again the old protocol called for metronidazole (putrid medication and causes more stress than its worth), plus Amoxicillin.
The NEW protocol is Amoxicillin plus Clarithromycin (Biaxin). If your vet is not familiar with ferrets, or is 'old school' please give him/her the new protocol, which is:
Williams (2000) & Johnson-Delaney (2005) protocols: Biaxin 50mg/kg once a day OR Biaxin 12.5mg/kg BID (twice a day) Amoxicillin 35mg/kg once a day OR Amoxcillin 20mg/kg BID (twice a day)
If your vet balks at this protocol let me know and I will send him the professional references.
In the interim he has to eat something easy on his tummy until it heals. Ideally, Hills Prescription A/D, which is a nutritious wet food you have to get from vet. Mix it with some warm water until its the consistency of cream soup and let him eat that every 4 hours. If you work, leave him a bowel of it while you are at work and give it to him again when you get home.
He really should not be eating any dry kibble until his ulcer heals. In other words, as long as he is grinding his teeth.
NOW - if he's never had the A/D he is not likely to like it off the bat. You have to get him used to it first. Put a blob on your finger and wipe it on his mouth several times to get him to taste it. You may have to finger feed the whole bowl to him at first until he acquires a taste for it. It doesn't take long for them to LOVE the stuff.
You could also put about 5 drops of Ferretone into the A/D soup.
It is possible that he may be grinding his teeth for other reasons, i.e. broken tooth, GI lymphoma, etc. However, the high probability is that it is an active ulcer forming.
Absolutely critical that you catch it before it gets worse or it can eat a hole in his stomach and penetrate a major vein beneath it and he will bleed out in minutes!
Ulcers are treatable but fatal if ignored.
Tressie
PS - a ferret with an obstruction (blockage) will not want to eat at all!
|
|
|
Post by brittanyf on Jul 5, 2011 14:27:24 GMT -4
He hasn`t grind his teeth before, he only does it when hes eating. And, as for his stool being dark or a tar color, its hard to tell because his stool has always been dark! And, as for taking him to the vet, we have a vet here, but I have no idea if they accept ferrets!
Thanks for the feedback, and I hope the little bit of information that I just gave you guys, will help elimate the ulcers! (yn)
|
|
|
Post by Tressie on Jul 5, 2011 15:42:01 GMT -4
Yes, exactly - ferrets grind their teeth WHEN eating when they have an ulcer! That is symptomatic of an ulcer. They don't grind them constantly or at other times. It is the connection with eating that determines the high probability of an ulcer - or other GI issues. Another condition that can cause nausea and associated grinding of teeth when eating is insulinoma. And that also requires a vet visit to have blood glucose checked and if less than 3.3 - they have to go on prednisolone for the rest of their lives. When you say his stool has always been dark that could be from the type of kibble you feed. However, blood turns stool a shiny black - exactly like tar, and not dark brown or dark green. Where are you located, we can recommend a ferret knowledgeable vet nearest to where you live? Every province has them, some more knowledgeable than others. There are also 'ferret friendly' vets who will consult with more knowledgeable experts. People will travel to get to a ferret knowledgeable vet. The ferret specialist here in Halifax has had people come from all over the Atlantic region, including Newfoundland. However, there are more ferret knowledgeable veterinarians available throughout Atlantic Canada. For a list go to: www.flsatlanticcanada.org/ferretfriendlyveterinaryclinicsFerrets are prone to so many health problems and diseases it is important to find a ferret knowledgeable vet to go to. Tressie
|
|
|
Post by brittanyf on Jul 5, 2011 17:07:54 GMT -4
Okay, Thanks Tressie. I`ll look on that website that you provided me with, and if theres no ferret friendly vet close by, I`ll simply call the one nearest to me, and ask him if they are ferret friendly! Thanks for your support, and help!
|
|
|
Post by Johnny and Demon on Jul 5, 2011 21:15:28 GMT -4
Be careful ! its not because a vet says they will take ferrets it means they really know aboute them. I know a girl who used toe have ferrets. Her vet told her she will take her ferret as patient. But when the poor thing became adrenal, her vet told her the ferret didn't seem to be in pain or suffering ! When my friend found out about Dr.Benoit, it was already too late. Just be careful since ferrets aren't the usual pets ...
|
|
|
Post by brittanyf on Jul 8, 2011 10:22:49 GMT -4
Thanks Annik, I`ll watch out for that!
|
|