From:
Karen Purcell, DVM
Date: 2001-07-05 15:11:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Possible heart condition?
Suzanne,
You wrote:
> Hello everyone. I'm really hoping I can get some help here as I'm at
> a complete loss.
>
> A week ago today, Tootsie starting having what sounding like little
> gasping attacks. Once in awhile, a coughing fit would follow. This
> went on for several hours at which point I took her to the vet. The
> doc told me both her heart and lungs sounded fine, but that her
> throat was a bit inflamed. So, she was put on Baytril for a week.
> Since then, I've heard her having coughing spells here and there, but
> none of the gasping sounds. Well, it started again today. Gasping
> and it looks like she's having a bit of a problems swallowing as
> well. There was only one coughing fit. For the most part, her
> activity level has stayed the same. She's just under a year. Eating
> and pooping well. She's done this maybe 2 or 3 times over the last
> few months, but it seems to be happening more frequently as time goes
> by. Please help.
>
I'd highly recommend xrays and/or ultrasound to see what is going
on. This does not sound good. Heart conditions and asthma both come
to mind, and are seen in ferrets.
Good luck,
-Dr. Karen
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