Alternative Treatment Options

Naturopathy: "Naturopathic medicine is not a single modality of healing, but an array of healing practices, including diet and clinical nutrition; homeopathy; acupuncture; herbal medicine; hydrotherapy; therapeutic exercise; spinal and soft tissue manipulation; physical therapies involving electric currents, ultrasound, and light therapy; therapeutic counseling; and pharmacology." (Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide. p 360) Some of these remedies are more spiritual than medical.: "Naturopathic medicine is not a single modality of healing, but an array of healing practices, including diet and clinical nutrition; homeopathy; acupuncture; herbal medicine; hydrotherapy; therapeutic exercise; spinal and soft tissue manipulation; physical therapies involving electric currents, ultrasound, and light therapy; therapeutic counseling; and pharmacology." (Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide. p 360) Some of these remedies are more spiritual than medical.

Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies are generally dilutions of natural substances from plants, minerals, and animals. Based on the principle of "like cures like" these remedies specifically match different symptom patterns or "Profiles" of illness, and act to stimulate the body's natural healing response.

(Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide. p 272-3).

Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine is the most ancient form of health care known to humankind. Herbs have been and continue to be used in all cultures throughout history. The World Health Organization notes that of 119 plant-derived pharmaceutical medicines, about 74% are used in modern medicine in ways that correlated directly with their traditional uses as plant medicines by native cultures. In addition to their use in western medicine, there are a number of highly developed medical systems around the world in which medicinal plants play a central role. These include Ayurveda from India and Traditional Chinese Medicine. (Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide. p 261).

Chiropractic: Chiropractic is concerned with the interrelationship of the spinal column, the musculoskeletal structures of the body, and the nervous system. Chiropractors stress the importance of proper alignment of the spinal column because the spine acts as a "switchboard" for the nervous system (Burton Goldberg Group:135). The nervous system, in turn, affects all parts of the body including muscles, bones, organs, and glands. A chiropractor "adjusts" a specific segment of the spine by delivering a very rapid thrust into a joint. Chiropractic manipulations require considerable training and skill. You should not attempt to adjust your pet yourself. Although there are some veterinarians who are trained in chiropractic techniques, in some states a general chiropractor can adjust your pet if a veterinarian prescribes treatment.

Acupuncture: "Acupuncture originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced flow of qi (also referred to as chi), the vital life energy present in all living organisms. According to acupuncture theory, qi circulates in the body along twelve major energy pathways, called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems." Certain acupoints within the meridian system can be stimulated to enhance the flow of qi. When special needles are inserted into these acupoints, they help correct and rebalance the flow of energy, and consequently relieve pain and/or restore health. Acupuncture: "Acupuncture originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced flow of qi (also referred to as chi), the vital life energy present in all living organisms. According to acupuncture theory, qi circulates in the body along twelve major energy pathways, called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems." Certain acupoints within the meridian system can be stimulated to enhance the flow of qi. When special needles are inserted into these acupoints, they help correct and rebalance the flow of energy, and consequently relieve pain and/or restore health. (Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide. p 37). As with chiropractic, acupuncture requires considerable knowledge and skill, and should be practiced only by a trained practitioner. Some veterinarians do practice acupuncture.

Acupressure: Acupressure is needle-less acupuncture. It involves the stimulation of reflex points by finger pressure on the skin. As such, it can be done effectively without formal training. Stein in her book, The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs and Cats, (p 83-4) discusses specific applications of acupressure. She lists acupressure points for dogs and cats. We recommend using the chart listed for cats and use only gentle pressure. It is useful for both acute and chronic health problems such as digestive disturbances, nerve injuries, respiratory diseases, allergies, arthritis, and some terminal diseases.

NOTE: Please consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis of your ferret’s condition. A veterinarian is trained to diagnose and it is dangerous to guess at a treatment for a ferret without knowing the cause of a problem e.g. a ferret that is vomiting may have eaten something that does not agree with them or have eaten something that has blocked the intestines. The blockage requires immediate surgery to save the life of the animal. However, the natural remedies listed below have been used by individuals ("anecdotal evidence") when a condition is known (aging, for example) or when a condition has been diagnosed by a vet (Rommel’s Vita-min-oil Mixture for a poor coat). There are many other possible aids for each of these conditions which we hesitate to recommend them unless we have used them successfully. Therefore, the information in this handout may be used in conjunction with therapies prescribed by your regular or holistic veterinarian.

A naturally healthy pet starts with good nutrition. Good nutrition will minimize medical expenses, reduced stool, less odor, and less food consumption (higher quality protein is better absorbed by the body). If your budget allows it, feed Totally Ferret. It's well balanced and provides all the nutrients needed by ferrets. If a lower cost food is required, aim for high quality meat-based cat food with at least 32% protein, at least 20% fat, and natural preservatives. The protein should be whole meat but not by-products or meal (which can be contaminated or inedible waste such as wood shavings soaked in blood from slaughterhouses). Many lower priced foods contain the preservative ethoxyquin, a chemical developed by Monsanto as a pesticide and a rubber-hardener for car tires. If you are looking for a natural diet, the preservatives BHA and BHT should also be avoided. Look for Vitamins A, C, or E as a preservative instead.

A clean water supply is important to your pet's health. When a weak immune system or degenerative condition exists, toxic-free water is important. Filtered water is the first choice or distilled water as a second choice.

For the best possible health of your ferret, make sure they have clean litter boxes and sleeping areas, fresh food and water daily, no ear mites, fleas, or other parasites, and receive regular veterinary care and vaccinations. Very important to a ferret's emotional and mental health is the daily companionship of their human care-givers. Providing adequate mental stimulation is essential. To mentally stimulate a ferret, invent new games, modify the environment (put a blanket on the floor, combine several of their toys, etc.), rotate toys, hide small treats that require tracking to locate, take the ferret outside on a leash, etc. During the one-on-one interaction time, check the physical health of the ferret to detect and treat problems early. During a body massage, check for tumors or parasites, look in the mouth for discolored teeth or red gums, check for ears and eyes for problems, etc.

Dosages: Linda Rector-Page recommends that body weight be used as a guide. Ferrets would require 1/8th the adult human dosage unless a dosage for animals is specified.

Black Elderberry: (sold by vets and in health food stores as Sambucol). This is great for upper respiratory infections.

Eucalyptus Oil: This helps your ferret to breathe easier when nasal passages are congested. Use externally only. This is best used in your humidifier.

Vitamin C: Excellent for immune enhancement and to fight upper respiratory infections. We recommend using the children's vitamin C. Use 1 drop or to bowel tolerance. (May cause diarrhea if excessive dosage is given).

Echinacea: Is an herbal antibiotic, infection fighter, and glandular, lymphatic system and blood cleanser. Use only when really needed for a two week period and then cease treatment for at least one week thereafter. Do not use continually.

Slippery elm and chamomile: A small amount of slippery elm mixed with warm chamomile tea and sweetened with honey is great for soothing and healing irritations such as ulcers, diarrhea, and nausea.

Acidophilus: This is especially useful when your ferret is taking a course of antibiotics as it aids in restoring normal bacteria to the intestines. It is important to continue a regimen of acidophilous for seven days after finishing a course of antibiotics.

Cinnamon or Blackberry Tea: This helps stop diarrhea by acting as a binding agent. You can also mix other herbs for digestive ailments and honey in the tea.

Aloe Vera: Used internally as a bowel cleanser, detoxifier, and to heal internally or externally. Best used in conjunction with liquid chlorophyll. Use the pure aloe vera (99% or more) preserved with citric acid or ascorbic acid/Vitamin C. Be careful of its laxative effects.

Charcoal (Activated): This is useful in absorbing toxins and poisons as, for example, from eating spoiled food, but should be used sparingly since it interferes with normal digestive processes.

Digestive Enzymes: These supplement cooked and processed foods (including all commercially available foods). Enzymes enable animals to extract more nutrition from food and better nourish the body. It is especially useful in animals that cannot properly digest food, those with poor coats and skin problems, to assist in weight gain, and to make animals more resistant to disease and infections. Brands include Prozyme and Ferretzyme.

4 Cats Diet Supplement (which includes Digestive Enzymes, Vitamins A, D, E, K, C, Ts, Folic Acid, minerals). Although we have had little experience in treating effects of aging such as stiffness in walking or arthritis, this may be a viable product.

Zinc: It is important to use this mineral in moderation as it is toxic if used in high doses or for a long time. This has been important in stimulating normal hair growth in ferrets who have lost hair due to adrenal problems. Use zinc asporotate (made from kelp and brewer's yeast) 15 mg capsules. Give 5 mg every third day. Be very careful with this dosage!

Aloe Vera: A "contact healing" herb that promotes rapid cell regeneration after wounds, rashers, burns, and skin problems of all kinds. Commonly applied as a gel. Use as needed.

Colloidal Silver: The use of this substance is controversial. Anecdotally, people have found it to be useful in treating digestive upsets or suspected infections. Others do not believe it should be used internally but is great for external conditions. Do not use continuously. Please research and make your own decisions (I have chosen not to use it internally).

Garlic: Garlic is a natural antibiotic. It helps clean yeast overruns from the body such as when antibiotic are given and it also aids in healing urinary tract infections. Use with caution as it has been implicated in causing problems.

Cranberries (fruit or powder): As with humans, this is great for urinary tract problems. It is best given before a problem develops.

Dr. Bach’s Rescue Remedy: Troy Lynn Eckert recommends one drop as often as required.

Valerian Root: Use one drop of the non-alcoholic extract or one capsule mixed with something good (the capsule is foul smelling).

Mix all together. Give no more than five drops daily. This keeps okay left on the shelf but if making a larger quantity, keep the extra in the refrigerator until ready to use. Can be used instead of other oils as a supplement to the diet.

Steep chamomile and rosehips in hot water for 5 minutes then strain. Add remaining ingredients to the liquid. Let cool. Give 1cc as needed. Keep extra in the refrigerator and warm as used. Discard any unused formula after 48 hours.

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of the powder and 1/4 teaspoon of the oil formula with 10-20 cc ferret soup (such as Science Diet Feline Growth or a/d liquefied with water). Serve once a day to heal or every other day to maintain.

Mortar/pestle for crushing tablets

Coffee bean or nut grinder - dedicated to grinding tablets (and never used again for coffee!)

Note: Jack’s owner lives in Eugene, Oregon. She is a nurse and uses a homeopathic physician for herself.

"Jack was severely scalded over the bottom almost half of his body with immediate hair loss. He was also burned on his chest and front legs with about 80% of his hair sloughing over the next week. He was a goopy little guy with severe fluid loss. He was taken to the emergency vet within 15 minutes after being removed from the hot water. He spent the night there and was given a shot of antibiotic and started on oral antibiotics.

He ate okay after three or four days but I had to start him on subcutaneous fluids at day three due to noticeable dehydration from several fluid and protein loss thru the large burned areas. On day five, he had a temperature of 105 degrees. He was started on another antibiotic. On day seven he quit eating and had lost almost a pound of weight by this time. Jack stopped eating entirely and would choke when given ferret soup. He even choked on Nutri-Cal and blue-green algae given from a syringe. Jack was unable to swallow, his eyes were sunken and he was now one-half his former body weight. His temperature was now up to 106. The vet pronounced that he was dying.

The next day, Jack began shivering violently and his temperature dropped to 97 (normal is about 101-103). Jack was unable to fight off the massive infection. Anything that was put in his mouth - including antibiotics, food, or fluid - resulted in choking and gagging. Everything was tried to keep him warm from blankets warmed in the oven, hot water bottles but nothing helped. The vet just prescribed more food and warmth.

Against the advice of the veterinarian, I called my personal homeopathic M.D. (The Pitcairn’s, nationally known natural remedy/homeopathic veterinarians who live in Eugene, have declined to work on ferrets). Jack would not survive even a few more hours unless something was done.

My doctor suggested a remedy called Pyrogen. These little pellets were crushed and put in Jack’s mouth. Jack choked and gagged but because the pellets dissolve quickly, the remedy got into his system. A dose was given to him every two hours. Within six hours, Jack was able to swallow ferret soup from a syringe without choking. His temperature climbed to 100. When his temperature was up to 102-103, Jack stopped shivering. Then he never stopped eating! It was a month before I was able to stop giving him fluids.

Pyrogen is made from rotted beef sitting in the sun for two weeks. Jack was experiencing symptoms of a septic state or blood poisoning. In keeping within homeopathic guidelines, we gave him a minute amount of what would typically cause blood poisoning if given in larger amounts. This, of course, is not the only remedy Jack got, but it was the one that saved his life.

Homeopathic can’t cure everything but it is helpful in humans for infections, depression, muscular pains, flu symptoms, headaches, etc. It has seen some remarkable results with some cancers. It can’t cure AIDS but it keeps down the overwhelming infections. Homoeopathy is also the ONLY medically recognized form of medication NOT tested on animals - only humans! (Even vitamins are tested on animals.)"

[Note: Jack’s accident occurred when a bath tub filled with hot water was left unattended for just a couple seconds. The owner used dozens of different remedies to deal with the changing conditions - which is how homeopathic remedies are used. At last check, Jack was healthy and happy and showing few signs of his six month battle with death.]