Ferret Footnotes
Monthly Newsletter of the
Ferret Lovers' Club of Texas

"Zell - Ferret Olympics Medalist" was the cover photo. Image file was corrupted.

OCTOBER 1996

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

BILL TO REVOKE VET-CLIENT PRIVILEGE
Remember to contact your veterinarian immediately and make your feelings known and clear that you DO NOT support the bill that removes veterinary client privilege and you wish to keep your veterinary records PRIVATE. Without veterinary support, it is hoped that the bill not be introduced at all. Let's keep our ferrets safe! For more details, see the September 1996 issue of Ferret Footnotes, or the Summer, 1996 Coalition Newsletter, Coalition of Responsible Animal Owners of Texas, Inc.

LEGALIZATION CAMPAIGN - FORT WORTH
Please continue to circulate petitions while the Legal Committee puts together an information packet to be distributed to council members. For the Fort Worth legalization efforts, we need VOLUNTEERS who are residents of those cities to help us speak up for the rights of ferrets. Please contact Debra Thomason, FLC-TX legal coordinator, to volunteer your help @ (817) 485-7344 or DTHOMA1@tandy.com
Petitions are available at http://www/global.org/ferret

RABIES COMPENDIUM MEETING

Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996
From: Howard Davis

Subject: DFW-FERRET: Rabies meeting results

Rabies: The Compendium committee met Oct. 10-11, and early this week Independent Voice legal affairs writer Eric Sampson interviewed Dr. Suzanne Jenkins to ask her what happened.

All she would say is that new language was added to the end of the paragraph of the Rabies Compendium that discusses "Management of Animals That Bite Humans." The present language says that "Prior vaccination of an animal [other than cat or dog] may not preclude the necessity for euthanasia and testing if the period of virus shedding is unknown for that species. Management of animals other than dogs and cats depends on the species, the circumstances of the bite, and the epidemiology of rabies in the area."

According to Jenkins, the new language gives additional guidelines to state vets to take into account the vaccination history of the animal; potential for exposure; and the general health of the animal. The language is not ferret-specific, however. She declined to provide the precise new language that has been adopted, indicating that it will be published soon in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Jenkins noted in passing however that she is expecting a report on the raccoon strain study in early December.

My evaluation is that probably this is a basically meaningless cosmetic language change designed to blunt criticism of her harsh policy. The bottom line is still, I believe, that the state vets are going to be given to understand that they are to take all these factors into account--and then kill the ferret for testing because "you can never be sure" it didn't sneak out some night and get bit by a bat.

However, we'll just have to wait &;see what comes out of it, keeping our fingers crossed too that the raccoon results are "clean" -- i.e. that they confirm the results of studies on other strains &;indicate, once again, that ferrets do not shed the rabies virus before they become symptomatic.

A big thank-you to everyone who got their vet to write to Jenkins or the AVMA or other Compendium committee members. The fact that they changed the language at all, even if only to throw the ferret community a meaningless sop, does indicate that they are beginning to feel some heat on the issue. Maybe next time, if more people get vets and perhaps ferret-friendly state-level public health officials to write in, they will go farther &;make a meaningful change in the policy. At all events, if the new language goes in as Jenkins describes it, it will give ferret supporters an additional talking point when they are trying to argue local authorities out of demanding the death of the ferret involved in a bite case.-

Howard Davis, Humane Affairs Coordinator, League of Independent Ferret Enthusiasts (LIFE)

OCTOBER MEETING
FERRET TOYS AND GAMES

There are basics to the ferret toy box. These include many regular pet toys that are available, such as: stuffed cat toys, jingle balls, rattle balls, twisted-rope chew bones, ping-pong balls, and more. Just about any cat or dog toy will be interesting to a ferret, with the possible exception of cat nip.

BEWARE of soft, thin, rubber, latex, and vinyl toys, especially if there are small protrusions a ferret could bite off and swallow (such as a hedgehog or Koosh ball). Check all toys regularly for loose pieces and evidence that the toy is being eaten. Any toy that is showing excessive chew marks should be replaced. Intestinal blockage can be a serious health hazard!

There are a few household items that ferrets will enjoy as much, or more, than store bought toys. These are plastic shopping bags (careful and cut out bottoms!), bottlecaps, rubber-soled shoes, boxes, thread spools, curly telephone cords, or dirty socks. It will not take long for you to discover what your ferret enjoys.

MAKING YOUR OWN TOYS

In addition to commercial toys, there are many toys you can make yourself. Here are just a few.

Mazes-Ferrets and owners both enjoy a good ferret maze. The construction materials are endless. From cardboard boxes and carpet tubes, to wood and plexi-glass, we have all created some form of maze for our little guys. A new item available is the clear, heavy-duty dryer hose. Ferrets have a ball running through the tubes, and you can watch the fun!
Stacked boxes are an easy toy. Seal them all up, cut a hole in the top and the bottom, and stack them as high as you can get them. Strap them together with masking tape or Elmer's Glue (give it plenty of time to dry before play time). Put a small window hole in the very top one for a view. It is great exercise for the ferrets to have to climb upward instead of slinking around corners. A vertical maze takes up less floor space, and the ferrets will enjoy the view from their tower. However, please take precaution to place the window side of the lookout away from any sharp table edges in case a brave ferret should decide to make a jump.
It may be necessary to start your ferret at the top a few times to catch their interest. Always take all their toys (at vacuuming time) and put them in the top-most box. This gives the ferrets a reason for returning to the tower numerous times, getting lots of healthy exercise.
Cardboard mazes are disposable. Ferrets will get bored with the same old maze and will start to ignore its existence. Throw the old one away, get yourself some new, fresh smelling, boxes and start all over. Boxes are free from any grocery store, and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Also, should a fight or problem occur, you won't regret ripping it apart to get to the ferrets in trouble.

Pipe-If you are looking for something a little more permanent, yet will have enough variety that it will continuously be used. From your local hardware store, purchase slotted sewer pipe. This is a black, flexible tube that is 4" in diameter and about 10-15 ft long. There are slits cut at 1" intervals which allow a small amount of light and plenty of air to pass into the tube. The cost is under five dollars and you don't need a delivery truck to get it home. It easily bends into a compact car. This toy is great because it is bendable. It is so long and dark that it is a mini-maze all by itself. Throw it across a chair so the ferrets have to climb up one side and they will use the other side as a slide going down. If they get bored with it, just bend it differently. But don't limit it to laying flat on the floor, it goes easily over and around anything. Just like PVC pipe, often used for ferret mazes, there are elbow attachments and shorter tubes available as well. For cleaning, take it out in the back yard and spray the inside with the water hose.

Fishing For Ferrets- Fishing float toys are a "must have" addition to your ferret's toy box. They are very inexpensive and can be purchased almost anywhere. They come in exciting florescent colors, as well as the standard red and white. Attach the float securely to the end of 6' string, strong shipping twine works best, and pull it across the floor in front of a ferret. For some reason, ferrets find it irresistible. You will get bored with pulling it around, way before they get bored with chasing it. When picking out a fishing float, select one that is slightly larger than your ferret's mouth, or "chase" will turn into "tug." When you are finished playing, put the toy away. If left within the ferret's reach, and given a large amount of time, you may find that someone's jaws were stronger than the plastic (note: this toy should not be digested). This toy creates a great opportunity for good exercise. It is also the perfect toy to pull out if you have company and want to show off your pet. It is a sure way to keep your ferret out in the open and active. Even better is to make a fishing "rod" from a piece of dowel, and tie the float (or other bells, toys, or feathers) on a string to the rod. Then bob it around and watch the ferrets take the bait!

Rabbit Skin Swatch-Ferrets, young and old, will adore this toy. Some ferrets will adopt it like a baby, and many will get so attached to it that they will carry it everywhere with them. Real rabbit skin can be purchased at large craft or leather supply stores. There are also some cat toys that are made of plastic covered in real rabbit skin. These are found in most toy stores and many cost under one dollar. However, when you purchase one of these cat toys, be sure to remove any eyes, noses, or rubber bands that are glued on before giving them to your ferrets. Rabbit skin is the perfect toy for ferrets. Should they chew off and ingest a piece, it's naturally digestible. The swatches are pretty sturdy and do great in a game of "tug."

CONCLUSION

There are many other toys that can be purchased commercially that your ferret will enjoy. These include Krinkle Sacks, ferret tubes, hard rubber toys, whiffle balls, "fishing rods" with ferret toys on the end, plush chew animals, squeaking toys, etc. Each ferret is different and will choose their own toys to play with.

Squeaky toys usually will grab your ferrets' attention, so this is a good safety device for "calling" your ferrets in an emergency or if they get lost. However, be sure that the ferret cannot pull the squeaker device out of the toy and ingest it. Find a squeak toy, such as a cloth ball, where the squeaker is embedded firmly in the center.

They key to toy safety is to regularly check the toys for wear, loose or missing parts, frayed edges, ragged surfaces, and so on. Check for anything that could catch on a toenail and tear it off, poke at an eye, or be ingested and cause a blockage. Discard these toys immediately. Otherwise, just keep the toys clean with periodic washing.

1996 FERRET OLYMPICS RESULTS

Maze Race

Best Weasel War Dance

1st: Juliet, owned by Patty Israelson
2nd: Oliver, owned by Blanca A. Martinez
3rd: Gonzo, owned by Patty Israelson

Heaviest Male

1st: Simba, owned by Ann Baker Salafia (3# 10 oz)
2nd: Bandit, owned by Heather Sims (3# 7.5 oz - 1580 gm)
3rd: Roscoe, owned by Blanca A. Martinez (3# 7.5 oz - 1560 gm)

Lightest Female

1st: Tink, owned by Patty Israelson (1# 2.25 oz)
2nd: Christmas (Chrissy), owned by Nancy C. Judd (1# 6.5 oz)
3rd: Misty, owned by Erika Matulich (1# 9 oz)


Best Ferret Trick

We would like to thank everyone that participated and made this a fun and successful event! For a first event, it was a learning experience. Despite the heat, condition of the room (the hotel is giving us an almost full refund!), and the shortage of volunteers, we look forward to an improved 2nd annual event next year. Best of all, we actually showed a profit, which will help out area shelters, support legalization efforts, and provide for educational programs.

FERRET OLYMPICS RAFFLE DONORS

We would like to thank the following donors of raffle items. Their generous support will help raise funds for club activities such as education, legalization, and shelter support. Thank you!

PETsMART: Where Pets are Family: $25 Gift Certificate
BrassCo Engraving Supply: Round &;Heart ID tag with engraving
Animal Clinic of Farmers Branch: One Free Ferret Health Exam
Linda Davis: Ferret Tote Bag
Karen Grant: Ferret Rubber Toys (2), Hammocks (2)
Kathy Lucy: Ferret Cookie Cutter
Erika Matulich: Ferret Engraved Candy Jar and fall candies
Faye Touve: Ferret Sleep Sack, Snuggle Tube, and Hammock
Ferret Lovers' Club of Texas: Original, Framed Ferret Portraits (2)

FERRET OLYMPICS VOLUNTEERS

Thanks to the following donors and volunteers for their generous support and time. They have made the Ferret Olympics possible!

ACME Ferret - hand stamps
Trish Curtis - Shelter Operator, Ferrets First Rescue &;Shelter
Linda Davis - Show Coordinator, Timer, Signs
David Finster - Videotaping, Computer Info
Karen Grant, Larry Grant - Show Judge, Announcer, Signs, Setup
Marlene Indermark - Photography
Patty Israelson - Shelter Operator, Beggars and Thieves Shelter
Dr. Roger Kendrick, DVM - Show Vet, Judge
Terry &;Janet Kniep - Balloon Decorations
Kathy Lucy - Videotaping, Sewing, Timer
Blanca Martinez - Signs, Banners, Timer
Erika Matulich - Show Coordination, Announcer, Timer
Modern Ferret Magazine
Nature's Way - Feline Pine
Performance Foods - Totally Ferret
Michael Runyon &;Larry Fewell - Database, Admissions, Checkin
Sherry Salafia &;Ann Baker Salafia - Admissions
Chris Snoberger - Bunk Beds, Club Table
Faye Touve - Sewing
Nathan &;Heather Viles - Club Table

FERRET OLYMPICS ADVERTISERS

We would like to thank the following Ferret Olympic Advertisers. Their generous support helped with the printing of the show program and other show materials.

Arlington Animal Hospital
Dr. Bonnie S. Harris, DVM; Dr. Herb Schoonover, DVM

Bowen Road Animal Clinic
Dr. Roger E. Kendrick, DVM, PC; Dr. Gordon Smyth, DVM, PC

Colleyville Animal Clinic
Dr. John B. Blick, DVM; Dr. Mark D. Wilson, DVM

Du-Good Services

Medallion Animal Clinic; Dr. Tom Shook, DVM

Paws &;Claws Animal Clinic; Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM


FERRET OLYMPICS VETERINARIAN

The Ferret Lovers' Club of Texas wishes to acknowledge the expertise, generous time, and effort of our expert attending ferret veterinarian:

Dr. Roger E. Kendrick, DVM, PC
Bowen Road Animal Clinic
501 S. Bowen Road
Arlington, TX 76013
(817) 861-1763


FERRET OLYMPICS PHOTOS will be featured in the next issue of Ferret Footnotes!
FERRET OF THE MONTH COVER PHOTO "ZELL"

Zell, bronze medalist in the tube race of the First Annual Ferret Olympics, strikes a victory pose at home in front of some workout dryer hose. Zell is currently sharing household duties with 20 other ferrets (including boarders, foster ferrets, and permanent residents) at the home of Michael Runyon and Larry Fewell.

Would you like your ferret to be featured as a cover photo? Send photographs to the editor (see page 2), and with a SASE, they will be returned. Be sure to identify the ferret in the photo, include any pertinent information, and mark the photo with your name and address.

NATIONAL ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER

The National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) is a non-profit organization based at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, 2001 S. Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801. This organization provides emergency assistance to both veterinarians and animal owners. You will have 24-hour access to a center staffed by veterinary professionals trained to handle animal poisonings and chemical exposures. NAPCC has been operating and serving animal owners for over 15 years.

If you have a poisoning case or chemical exposure, you have two options for calling/billing:

1.1-900-680-0000 will charge to your phone bill at a rate of $20 for the first 5 minutes, plus $2.95 for each additional minute, with a $20 minimum.

2.1-800-548-2423 is for credit card billing, with a flat fee of $30 per case. Credit Card holders only can use this number.

The NAPCC will make follow-up calls(s) as needed.

At first glance, this may seem like a lot of money -- but it may replace an emergency trip to your veterinarian, or save the life of your ferret. The organization is experienced with plant toxicology, household chemicals, and agricultural and industrial poisons.

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