From:
ferrethealer@aol.com
Date: 2001-04-18 12:32:00 UTC
Subject: Re Knuks was Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Digest Number 135
In a message dated 04/18/01 6:57:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
Ferret-Health-list@yahoogroups.com writes:
<< > Knuks has been at the vet since yesterday. Our vet had pulled some
> blood-tinged fluid from her abdomen while we were there and an x-
ray
> showed ascites. Later on he took out about 200-250 ccs
serosanguinous
> fluid. >>
Hmm. Has the heart been evaluated? Ascites is often a result of heart
disease, and I don't see any mention of that being looked at. Liver problems
will also cause ascites, but you mention that liver tests seemed to be okay.
Another thing that can cause it would be tumors in the abdomen - were the
x-rays repeated after the fluid was removed? Often fluid will build-up to
the point where it blocks the view of the tissues in the abdomen.
Peritonitis is a possibility, but were there any signs indicating that on the
bloodwork (elevated white count, in particular)?
I guess at this point, I would take a good, hard look at the heart.
Dr. Ruth
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