From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-04-03 21:08:00 UTC
Subject: Re: very sick Ferret Please Help
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Mother Mannix" <edward.mannix@v...>
wrote:
> My 1 1/2 year old female fuzzie went to the vet today and I still
don't have a definite answers... I took her in for having no energy
lifeless so to speak and not eating or drinking... her hind legs were
falling out behind her this morning... they did tests.. they though
diabetes or insolinoma(not sure of the spelling) the urine came back
like this.... Cloudy, dark, blood +++, protein100 +++, Bilirubin
large+++ ketones neg, glucose, neg... so now she is saying kidney
problems maybe., but wouldn't go into detail until the blood panel
came back... I have her home and have to force feed her and she looks
terrible.. can you give me your opinion on what to ask and what it
sounds like it could also be if it isn't her kidneys and what else to
look for.... he spleen was normal in size also
> she is on antibiotics and nutrical and AD food force fed...
Dear Mother Mannix:
Unfortunately, in a case like this, urine results are helpful, but
certainly not enough to hand a diagnosis on. Blood results would
certainly be more specific, but with a high bilirubin, high protein
dark urine with blood, and no strength, a hemolytic crisis would have
to be high on my list. In this case, the bloodwork would suggest a
severe anemia, high levels of bilirubin, and moderate elevations of
hepatic enzymes.
At this point, I would continue the force feeding overnight and in
the morning, another trip to the vet is certainly in order, and a
review of the blood panel. If the blood is not available, I believe
just to be on the safe side I would start a hi-dose steroid regime
(2mg/lb of prednisone orally) until such time as hemolytic anemia can
be safely ruled out.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
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