by Dr. Susan Brown, DVM

A. Ear Mites [10.10]

       Caused by a small mite that lives in the ear and sucks blood
   and is picked up from other animals with mites (including dogs and
   cats).
       Signs are very minimal to none.  Ferrets seem to tolerate mites
   very well.  Occasionally there may be an excessive amount of ear
   wax produced, extensive scratching of the ears, and small black
   pigmented areas that appear on the ear.
       Treatment is with Ivermectin at 1 mg/kg divided into two doses
   with each dose dropped into each ear.  This is repeated in two
   weeks.  All the animals in the house should be treated.  Wash
   bedding the same day as treatment and a bath for the pet wouldn't
   hurt, either.  They also may be treated with Tresaderm daily for 14
   days.  

B. Fleas [10.9]

       Caused by an insect that spends a small portion of its life on
   the animal and lives in the surrounding environment laying eggs the
   rest of the time.
       Prevented by spraying or powdering your animals 2 times a week
   with a pyrethrin product if they go outside. If you already have
   them, the house must be treated also.

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