From:
- Z -
Date: 2001-06-08 12:01:00 UTC
Subject: x-rays and blockages
Just a word about x-rays and blockages-- as I found out the very hard
way, blockages won't necessarily show up on x-rays, even with
barium. A clear x-ray can't give you peace of mind, especially if
the ferret is still acting wrong. Basically, if it looks like a
duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's probably a
duck. Or in other words, if your ferret is trying to vomit, has
stopped eating and drinking and pooping, and shows profound lethargy,
a blockage should be high on the list of possibilities, even if the x-
rays look ok.
Luckily all was well that ended well for me and Amelia, but if it
hadn't been for others sharing this information with me, it might not
have been, and I really empathize with those who have lost a ferret
to a blockage. So I pass this along to the rest of you-- vets
may/should have more to add about their perspective on detecting
blockages, but as an owner, I would push for exploratory surgery once
any other obvious maladies could be ruled out, regardless of what the
x-rays said.
Regina