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Expertise

I have owned these little weasels for over 15 years. While I cannot diagnose a condition, I feel confident to have gained enough knowledge to answer most questions concerning general health, nutrition, training, safety, cage requirements, games, grooming, vaccination, behavior, nipping, adoption, care of ill and elderly, and common symptoms of diseases. I have personally witnessed adrenal tumors, malignant cancer and liver failure in my own pets, and have seem many other conditions at my job as a vet technician for four years. Now I am studying for my doctorate in veterinary medicine, but as previously mentioned, I cannot diagnose a condition. That can only be done by a licensed veterinarian. I will, however, do my very best to answer any questions to the best of my ability.

Experience in the area

I have been a ferret owner (or owned by the carpet sharks!) for the past 15 years, as well as a shelter volunteer (Ferret Association of CT) for 5. I am now a first-year veterinary student in Louisiana, and I wish to specialize in these little guys!! There are so few doctors that will treat ferrets. I have my bachelor's degree in bio-molecular science, and I am currently enrolled at the the LSU College of Veterinary Medicine for my doctorate degree.

Organizations

Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Ferret Association of CT

Education/Credentials

Present: Louisiana State School of Veterinary Medicine: 2009-2013 (DVM Degree) Past: Farmington Valley Veterinary ER (ER tech): 2007-2009 Veterinary Specialists of CT (vet tech): 2006-2007 Central Connecticut State University: 2001-2006 (BS in Bio-medical)

What do you like about this subject?

These guys are great! I love their individual personalities and how they can always get a giggle from me even on the worst of days with the crazy weasel dance. I will do my best to help answer any questions, and hopefully my experience as an owner and veterinary technician will prove useful!

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

My greatest wish in life is to become a board certified veterinarian that specializes in exotics including the weasel type. I have gained a lot of knowledge working in the field and owning these little demons, but there is still so much research in progress and much to learn.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Proper nutrition!!! I cannot stress enough how many poor quality foods there are (even ferret sorts). A poor diet can lead to health issues and especially insulinoma. The first three ingredients must be meat-based (preferably not fish origin) and preferably no by-products and avoid any vegetable origin. Look for high protein (at least 35%) and high fat content (approximately 20%).

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Most people do not realize the poor quality of the food they are feeding. Manufacturers are not formulating proper diets, even in "ferret specific" brands. This can lead to serious health complications. As far as treats, most of the commercially available ones are VERY bad for ferrets, and raisins can be lethal. I feed my guys dried chicken bits that is 100% meat (no additives), and they love it!

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

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    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Zoe11/18/09101010 
Bob11/04/0910101010Cindy. Thanks so much for the quick .....
Siobhan11/02/0910101010I'll keep an eye on her tonight .....
David Eyler08/22/091010Cindy's answer was timely and informative. The .....
Brittney08/16/0910101010thank you very much and the weezing .....

Recent Answers from Cindy Petrauskas

2009-11-14 Sudden Biting:

Hello Zoe, It sounds like your little guy is showing some sexual aggression. Since he has not been neutered, his testosterone levels are undoubtly elevated. This often causes abnormal aggression in

2009-11-11 please help, same bruising & bedwetting:

The owner of the ferret with the bruising never gave me an update, so I am not sure how that turned out. You should have x-rays an blood-work done, especially if she is no better. I wish I could be of

2009-11-10 Hairloss around shoulders?:

Hello Danielle, Adrenal disease is a possibility. It manifests itself in different ways. Some ferrets become abnormally aggressive, others loose weight. Some males have difficulty urinating while

2009-11-09 my ferret is very skinny and has almost no hair please help:

Hello Elizabeth, While there can be MANY causes for weight and hair loss, the most common condition in ferrets is Adrenal diseases. It would be wise to seek the advice of another vet who is more knowledgable

2009-11-08 snezzing, and sleeping all the time:

Hello Randi, It is very likely that your ferret contracted an upper respiratory infection. They can get certain "colds" from you, so it is best to stay away from your little buddy if you are feeling

 

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