lufta
FLSAC Board
Posts: 31
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Post by lufta on Jun 12, 2009 19:07:35 GMT -4
Fred just ate a square size peice of my milk chocolate bar and then puked up some juicy stuff smelling of chocolate. Of course the vet on call knew nothing about ferrets. Someone please let me know if there is something I should do.
XOOX
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lufta
FLSAC Board
Posts: 31
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Post by lufta on Jun 12, 2009 19:18:43 GMT -4
Ok so I took a deep breath and found this info on line....
Most pet owners don't realize that chocolate can be poisonous to their pet. The primary toxic agent is theobromide, which excites the heart and causes abnormal heart rhythms. Other clinical signs include vomiting, muscle tremors, depression, and increased urination. Death may occur from cardiac arrest. [Chocolate can also affect the kidneys and liver].
Although tolerance varies in small animals, the minimum lethal dose is about .1 oz [1/10 of an ounce] of baking chocolate or 2 oz. of milk chocolate for a ferret weighing 2 lbs. Treatment by your veterinarian is necessary when clinical signs are present, and are based on delaying absorption, hastening elimination, and providing supportive treatment.
As is often the case, prevention is the best path to follow - so keep chocolates out of the reach of your pet!
Signs are most commonly seen within 12 hours (or less) of chocolate ingestion.
* Excitement / nervousness / trembling * Vomiting / diarrhea * Excessive thirst / sometimes excessive urination (at higher levels of Theobromine toxicity) * Muscle spasms * Seizures * Coma (rare * Death (rare) -- likely due to heart rhythm abnormalities.
So I won't panic, I will count to ten and keep my eye on him!
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lufta
FLSAC Board
Posts: 31
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Post by lufta on Jun 12, 2009 19:47:42 GMT -4
Quote from Tessie's Email sent to me, just incase you have the same issue...
Quote "Yikes - chocolate is very toxic to ferrets. Here's the number to the Pet Poison Helpline: 1 800 213-6680. There is a charge but they are excellent and will tell you what you should do. Its good he threw some of it up. It can cause cardiac arrest in a ferret."
The number charges $35.00.
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Ashley
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Posts: 75
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Post by Ashley on Jun 13, 2009 16:47:17 GMT -4
If your Fred ever eats chocolate again, or anything else they're not suppose to, orally give him pure peroxide. This is perfectly harmless to them and will cause them to throw up quickly to get whatever they consumed out of their system. I know of many vets that give this to animals that are brought into the clinic for that very reason.
Ashley
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Post by Tressie on Jun 13, 2009 20:09:36 GMT -4
Ashley,
Most people would have 'topical' hydrogen peroxide on hand for cuts, etc. I am assuming that is not what you are referring to and that it should be an 'oral' grade peroxide.
What should I ask the pharmacist for if I am going to pick some up for my ferret first aid kit? Is there a brand name you would recommend?
Thanks for the suggestion!
Tressie
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purpleferret
FLSAC Member
I am Marian, Mom to Maia and Jo
Posts: 160
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Post by purpleferret on Jun 14, 2009 4:32:23 GMT -4
Hydrogen peroxide 3% can be used or hydrogen peroxide 35% (food grade). The food grade MUST be diluted 1 part H202 to 11 parts water. I have used the topical lower concentration as a dog foster mom. The only difference is in concentration. I think I would still ONLY give to a ferret on the advice of a doctor and depending on what was ingested. Certain acidic or strongly caustic items will burn coming up, again. The few exceptions are antifreeze, which is sweet and attractive to animals, but deadly, chocolate and prescription drugs. Another product useful for people or pets is syrup of ipecac.....for inducing vomiting. Useful to follow the vomiting with activated charcoal (purchased) or burnt toast. Prevents absorption in the intestines, should the time period after ingestion be questionable. Two hours or earlier, vomiting is desirable. After 2 hours, charcoal is desirable. Hope this is all helpful...if you google induce vomiting in ferrets this link crops up...at a quick glance it is useful and accurate. www.all-about-ferrets.com/poisons-and-toxins.htmland this one again references the APCC vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=511as for locally, even the IWK Poison Centre in Halifax has some information on pet poisonings and they are free to call within Maritime Canada. I know this because I work with them on plant poisonings, people and pets (I identify; they recommend!)
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Post by Tressie on Jun 14, 2009 6:54:31 GMT -4
Last summer when I went to Fairview Dr. Benoit had a small dog in there that they were keeping for observation. He had eaten a chocolate bar. They treated with the ipecac and charcoal. He made it - but it was a close call. His heart rhythm was off for many hours.
There are a number of things that can be lethal to ferrets if eaten that humans regularly ingest:
xanthines i.e., coffee, tea and chocolate (cardiac arrest)
raisins/grapes (Renal failure from as little as one raisin.)
xylitol (Xylitol is a sugar substitute and used in candy, sugarless gum, toothpaste and other products. Causes a crash in blood glucose and seizures.)
onions, garlic, chives in all forms (thiosulphate) - highly toxic to most pets (hemolytic anemia and heart failure)
raw eggs (risk of salmonella poisoning and raw eggs whites reduce the amount of biotin and thiamine)
acetaminophen i.e., Ibuprofen/Tylenol/Motrin (irreversible liver failure) Dairy products will cause diarreah. Fruits and vegetables can cause obstructions.
Many house plants are toxic (Marian would you pleast list common house plants that would be toxic to ferrets or provide a link that lists them)? Marian is a botonist and very knowledgeable in this field.
Bottom line is to keep these things out of reach to ferrets. Prevention is the key!
Thank-you Marian for the comprehensive overview!
Tressie
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purpleferret
FLSAC Member
I am Marian, Mom to Maia and Jo
Posts: 160
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Post by purpleferret on Jun 14, 2009 9:23:00 GMT -4
Poisonous house and garden plants include:
Amaryllis Azalea Broom (Cytisis) Caladium Crown of Thorns Daffodils Dracaena Dumb Cane English Holly English Ivy Euonymus Foxglove Geranium Honeysuckle Hyacinth Hydrangea Iris Jonquil Larkspur Laurel Lily of the Valley Mistletoe Narcissus Philodendron Poinsettia Skunk Cabbage Wisteria Yew
same goes for adults and children, should ingestion occur....call 911.
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Post by Tressie on Jun 14, 2009 20:57:29 GMT -4
Another excellent resource that lists a variety of toxic substances including heavy metals, drugs, etc. - also steps in treating poisoning, more geared to the veterinary professional. However, will give you an excellent overview of what's involved and what tests, etc. are needed: www.ferret-universe.com/resources/ferrettoxic.pdfTressie
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