From:
jazmufsky@aol.com
Date: 2001-03-14 08:35:00 UTC
Subject: Proliferative colitis
Dr. Williams,
I have searched the archives (specifically #164) and read a bit
about PC. I
have a ~3yr. old gib, Mufasa, whom my wonderful vet has been
treating for a
least six months. Muf began with loose stools last fall and our vet
ruled
out any parasite or bacterial infections with numerous stool
samples. He
thinks it is PC. I realize a biopsy would be definitive in
diagnosis, but Muf
has gone from four pounds down to three. I'm afraid he wouldn't be
able to
handle sedation as he is skin and bones.
He has been treated with Pedipred (1cc qhs) since December. The vet
has
tried a shot of Invermectin also, without relief. At one point, he
ate a
little kibble and I backed it off to .5 but he quit eating
altogether. So, I
went back to the 1cc. Muf is very energetic, alert and playful and
aside
from the weight loss, you wouldn't realize he was having problems.
He has refused to eat kibble (we feed TF/Zupreem). He did eat a
little here
and there. He has had enough, I think of the chicken gravy; won't
eat that
anymore either. He loves Gerbers 2nd stage chicken and turkey. I
feed him
only at night to try to get him hungry enough to eat the kibble.
Doesn't
work. He does eat at least a jar of food at a sitting. His poo is
mushy but
good in color, although I occasionally find some fresh blood in it.
The
seediness is lessening and I find an occasional medium sized,
somewhat formed
stool; these are few and far between. I caught him grinding his
teeth at one
point after finding the blood in the stool and I gave him some
Carafate. It
aggravated the problem and he quit the grinding w/in 24 hours and as
soon as
I d/c it, he did eat a little kibble also, but quit again. His
weight has
stablized, I think, but not gaining. I have tried Ferretvite, but
even in
small quantities, he throws it right back up; he does keep the
Ferretone
down.
I am also concerned about the lack of Taurine in his diet. One of
my rescues
had CHF and was put on a half a tablet BID which I ground up with
some
Ferretone. Should I start it with him?
I am at a loss as to what to do next. The vet is stumped, my local
ferret
gurus don't have anymore suggestions. I would really appreciate any
advice
or insight you could provide. Thank you!!
Earlicks and toebitings to all,
Trish