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Readers Column
Odd Skin Problem
I have a ferret that has an odd skin problem. The Vet said it could be anything from mites to some kind of fungal infection to adrenal disease. The black areas is where she took a biopsy. I'm still waiting for the results. She has also sent out a blood panel to test for Adrenal disease (still waiting for that also).
Has anyone seen this type of thing on their ferrets?
None of the others ferrets have it .... so I don't believe it's mites. As for the Adrenal theory, he only scratches the area on or around the infected area. Wouldn't he be itchy all over if it was Adrenal?
I just read in this years annual of Ferrets Magazine, of a Basal Cell Tumor. The mag described it as a scratch that forms a scab that won't heal. It appears to heal, but comes back on a continuous cycle. He has had it for almost two months and we have put him on antibiotics and a steroid type of ointment, but they haven't had any effect. Jake will be two years old in April.
If anyone has seen or knows what this could be, please let me know so I can discuss it with my Vet. I have already spent $900 on this and can't afford much more for testing. So, I'll need to save up for whatever surgery might need to be performed.
You can contact me at Ferretmom7098@yahoo.com
Thank You,
Leanne
And Another Problem
Miss Rosie is are little sweetheart. She has the run of the house, never a cage(hate it). She has her litter boxes around the house and uses them (most of the time) and sleeps where ever she wants(her little hiding places). The problem we are having is she loosing her hair and she has a bad licking problem. When you pick her up she starts licking and keeps on going. I don't know whats going on with her.
My little Rosie is about 7 yrs old, she has been getting Leuprolide 100mg shots every month for about 1 1/2 yrs for that adrenal disease. She has been loosing her hair for about 2 or 3 months now. She is not losing weight, she weight about 1lb and 6oz (small, but she has always been). The licking is bad, don't know what she wants, her diet has always been Marshall food and milk bones(small pieces) as treats nothing else. Try vitamins she don't like it.
Another thing is she scratches a lot. The Vet we have here doesn't seem to know why on the licking and scratching.
If anyone has ideas I would appreciate it. I read once in the Cliff Notes that someone use Melatonin for hair growth, the vet say it should not hurt, but can't find it. We love her and want what is best for her.
Ferret Nutrition Question
I was wondering if maybe you could include some information on proper nutrition for ferrets in your next Cliffnotes. I've had my fuzzy since September. She was so skinny when she came to us that you could see her bones sticking out of her shoulders. She was being feed cat food purchased from the grocery store that contained dye.
I've been feeding her Iams cat food which she loves and spoiling her with lots of ferret snacks. She has gained weight and has been given a clean bill of health from the Vet. But I'm concerned that I'm not doing enough for her. Should I be giving her daily vitamins? I want to switch her to ferret food and thought maybe I should mix the Iams with ferret food since she loves it so much. What do you recommend?
There are number of good ferret foods out there. My guys thrive on the Marshall Diet. I also put in a bowl of Wysong, which Bailey goes through like candy. Other good brands are Zupreme, Totally Ferret (despite their unfriendly attitude towards LegalizeFerrets.org) and others. Do mix the foods until you find a ferret food she likes.
My skinny ol ferret Quito loves Marshall's Duck Soup.
Should Ferrets Be Legal Responses
Yes, they should be legal, so that they can be safely brought to shelters, vets, outings, and not be confiscated and euthanized. Legal does not necessarily have to translate into pet sales. If pet shops were not allowed to sell them, or had a limit on the number sold per year, it would essentially leave sales the way they are now since almost everyone who wants a baby goes out of state to get one.
The border could continue to check for ferrets at the checkpoints and register people bringing them in. This would help prevent people from bringing in ferrets constantly (buying babies, and reselling). Breeding could also be made illegal.
I come from a state where ferrets are a dime a dozen. The rescues are full, and people call my number (still) to find homes for ferrets all the time. It is terrible that pet shops keep selling while ferrets go to shelters in increasing numbers all the time in other states - but it's almost never due to behavior - it's due to medical care and money for food.
If ferrets are legalized in California, I would love to see a set limit per year on ferret sales or no sales whatsoever. Let people continue to adopt as they have been, or make the long drive out of state, proving they are dedicated to get a fuzzy friend.
Just my 2 cents...
(Anonymous)
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I read about "Should ferrets really be legal"? and I was thinking of a solution for it.
1. Before a pet store or shelter sells a ferret, they should test the person who is going to buy it.
like write down some deep questions about ferret care and they have to be 100% honest.
2. They should have a license or permit to own them. they should NOT be sold for kids 10 and under.
3. They should care for it with all their heart and don’t buy it just for looks.
I'm not sure if they already have one of these for other animals but they should have something
like this.
Pat's Response - I think they should do this before people have kids!
Thought you'd get a kick outta this ferret mansion and owner.
Jillian C
SAn Francisco
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Will Meg Whitman Help Ferret Owners?
 A friend has told me the other day that she has the ear of Meg Whitman, who will be running for governor this year. Her platform is on making and saving money for California. When my friend and her were talking my friend brought up how much California is losing on the ban on ferrets. Meg Whitman is very interested in any data for the missing sales tax as a result of the ban. Since I don't have all the data that you do I would like to pass on yours and Lance's contact info to her. I think any angle we can get is good for our cause. Please let me know if you are interested and what info I should pass on so that Meg Whitman's people can get a hold of you. Thanks and let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Dustin S.
Hi Dustin -
I do appreciate your email. But this brings back memories of Arnold Schwarzenegger and other Republicans. While a candidate for Governor, Schwarzenegger told ferret lovers he would sign any bill that came to his desk. He wouldn't put it in writing - but his staff repeatedly told us we "have nothing to worry about." And of course he vetoed the ferret amnesty bill in 2004. Having worked with politicians over these years I have never seen a group less bound to their principles and promises than Republicans. However, we will be inviting the candidates for Governor to our September 25th event - let's see if she comes (assuming she is the GOP candidate)
But You Gave Me a Great Idea!!!
Our current governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, will be out of office January 2011. He will take with him one of the worst legacies any governor could have. He's annoyed and disappointed a lot of people besides ferret lovers.
It is a custom of lame duck presidents to issue pardons in their last days in office. Maybe, just maybe, Governor Schwarzenegger will want to right one of his wrongs in his last days as California's Governor.
We're not sure how he would be able to do it. I sent an email to former State Senator Dede Alpert and she was kind enough to refer it to her former staffer who will have an answer for us later in the week.
If we do this - what catchy name can we give this - Operation Ferret Pardon? Someone, please come up with a better title!
And Another Great Idea Regarding Animal Planet
Our friends at Wysong have told us they have connections at Animal Planet and will pass on our request. But I didn't know what to ask - until Jill K put it into words:
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In response to what to ask of Animal Planet-I think it would be wonderful if they would consider doing a show on ferrets similar to their "Dog 101" shows. In these shows they choose a dog breed and let the viewer know all about the ups and downs of owning a certain type breed. They include a wonderful history of the breed and all kinds of tidbits about how to care for that breed and also recommendations for what kinds of families would be best suited for owning that particular breed. It be nice to have that same kind of info about ferrets out there-it would help to officially debunk so many of the myths. They then could also discuss the politics of owning a ferret in the United States and touch on the struggle and efforts of Californians trying to change those laws and an update on how it is all going. |
So here it is Walter, would you kindly pass it on?
And everyone else, order Wysong pet food off one of our links. We like the affiliate checks we are receiving from ShareASale!
This note also came in on the subject:
First and formost I think animal planet would get a lot a viewers on a ferret 101 take. It would educate people on the history and background of the ferret as well as banishing some of the myths. We should ask that they find a space to feature our ferret with the help of a well educated club and rescue such as ourselves. We could also ask for a sponsorship. Lastly, we could ask for a commercial.
PS.
In response to how did I get my ferret;
I got it from an lady who does adoptions through Petsmart. I can't tell you her name, because I wouldn't want to endanger her rescue or Petsmart.
Bad Info From Petco and PetSmart
Two emails came in regarding employees of Petco and PetSmart telling customers that ferrets are legal in California:
I am a member of the ferret club and I am also a groomer at Petsmart. I was a manager in the pet care department for two years prior to that. I am aware that our associates are supposed to answer that it because "it is not illegal to own, only to transport or sell them." I myself was always puzzled by this statement. When I asked my vet who accepts ferrets why he was able to see my ferret he replied with the same answer. My vet said that if it was indeed illegal to own then he wouldn't be allowed to accept them as patients. I'm assuming misinformation is given, probably to save everyone's butts, so to speak.
Alisha
I had the same exact experience at the Menifee Petco. I was amazed that the clerk not only was issuing bad information, but she had the audacity to argue with me openly in front of the whole store. I was so shocked, I came home and did some research to make sure nothing had passed that I had missed. I even printed out the correct information to take with me when I return to that store.
On top of that, I recently had an encounter with someone on Craigslist who was under the impression that as long as they are spayed and neutered it is ok to own ferrets in this state. They were very very rude when I tried nicely to correct their misinformation (so much for being a good Samaritan huh).
In conclusion, I think someone within Ferrets Anonymous should contact the senior Managers of Petsmart and Petco and let them know that their employees are giving out bad and possibly dangerous (for the ferrets) information to their customers.
Thanks for listening,
Beverly member 552
Final Note - good luck to anyone getting a response from either corporate office.
2010 Ferrets Anonymous Round Up Info:
When: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Where: Brea, CA
Location: Brea Veterans Club
Address: 735 South Brea Blvd., Brea, CA 92821-5310
Veterans' Club Tel: (714) 529-4874
Time: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
All Ferrets Anonymous members are invited to attend Round Up. If you have an interest in joining Ferrets Anonymous, you are also welcome to attend.
The Annual meeting of FA includes:
2010 FA Officer Elections
Sales tables - offering wonderful products for sale
Raffles - benefiting FA
Guest Speakers - to further educate our members
Potluck Luncheon
& More!
Entry Fee: $10/person
Table Hosting Fee: $25/table
We're looking for interesting speakers for the event. Would you like to donate your time to educate the attendees of this year's Round Up? Please contact Lance M. at (949) 303-8481 for more information.
If you'd like to host a sales table at Round Up, we'll need to know so we can reserve your space ASAP.
OC Pet Expo April 16 - 18, We Need Help!
 Southern California's largest pet event happens Friday April 16th through Monday April 18th at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds. I'd really like to attract more people and get a lot of quality sign ups for CLIFFNotes and education every one who is interested.
A number of people have already volunteered to help. I hope to have a schedule available next week.
thanks to Wysong Pet Foods for donating $300 for the booth. Please visit them, links are at the bottom the page. We get a portion of any sales off these links.
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ABVP CERTIFIES DIPLOMATE IN EXOTIC COMPANION MAMMAL PRACTICE
NASHVILLE, TN – Bruce S. Levine DVM of San Clemente, CA has been certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) specializing in Exotic Companion Mammal Practice.
Dr. Levine has mastered a rigorous and demanding application process and certification examination in order to obtain Diplomate status. To qualify to sit for the extensive, two-day examination, a veterinarian must complete either a residency program or six years of clinical veterinary practice. In addition, two case reports, references, descriptions of practice procedures, and professional education records must be submitted and pass review. This year's examination was given November, 2009 in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Levine is a graduate of the University of Illinois and has a special interest in bird and exotic animal medicine and surgery. Dr. Levine practices at the Bird and Exotic Animal Clinic of Orange County located at San Clemente Veterinary Hospital, 1833 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA, (949) 492-5777. He is a member of Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, Association of Avian Veterinarians, Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians, American Veterinary Medical Association, Southern California Veterinary Medical Association ( past president Avian and Exotic Animal Chapter and Orange County Chapter) and the Huntington Beach Host Lions Club. He has served as consulting veterinarian for various Orange County wildlife rehabilitation projects and was a veterinarian of record for the Orange County Zoo and the Honolulu Zoo. He is also an ABVP Board Certified Specialist in Avian Practice and Companion Animal Practice.
Dr Levine is at the Bird & Exotic Clinic of Orange County, 714-536-7591
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Animal Control and Ferrets
I just wanted to echo what the other officer said. I work for an agency in Northern California, and would also like to remain anonymous. We similarly do not like impounding ferrets unless we absolutely must, and when we do, they get sent to a rescue in Nevada. I can't speak for all the officers, but usually when I receive a call for a found ferret, I ask the caller if they would mind hanging on the fuzzy for a few days and put an ad on craigslist, and I tell them how to care for the ferret in the meantime. I wish you luck with your EIR, and hope there comes a day when ferret owners don't have to live in hiding.
In Conclusion -
Thank you for all the comments and photos - it makes putting CLIFFNotes together much easier!
A lot of things going on - the round up, OC Pet Expo, Our September 25th event in (hopefully) Walnut Creek. I can't find a location. The Embassy Suites didn't want to host us and quoted me $50 per dinner. Aren't prices supposed to go down in a recession? Any other location ideas for the Walnut Creek area?
A few people wished me speedy recovery from sugery - thank you but those wishes need to go to Lance. He edits the newsletter when I am done and occasinally ads content.
I need help with a job. Having been out of work so long there is a real possibility I am facing homelessness. Who's couch can the four ferrets and I crash on? I really want to finish the EIR before I'm living under a bridge - as are so many in California. Very scary times for a lot of us.
As for Luna and Tiger - another week of antagonizing each other.
Both are young whippersnappers - and they won't leave each other alone. Obviously I can't trust them unsupervised.
We didn't hear from Lance this week. |
