From:
dbrn2@aol.com
Date: 2001-08-01 08:40:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Digest Number 319
Hi All, I really could use some second opinions on alternate ulcer treatments for my ferrets. I have 2 ferrets that have had GI ulcers since March of this year, post op adrenal disease and gastric resections and spleenectomies. they've both been on qid carafate and bid antibiotics for extended periods of time with no improvement. they remain on qid carafate (150 mg per dose) and both will only eat by hand feeding every 4 hours around the clock with bob's chicken gravy blended with chicken stock since March of this year. I am about at the end of my rope with almost 6 months of no more than 3.5 hours sleep at a time, except for their first postop night when I let them stay at the vet's for observation.
My main concern is that they don't seem to be getting any better at all. Are there any alternate treatments that actually work for GI ulcers. I have wondered about parenteral usage of cimitidine, similar to the IV administration given to burn and ICU patients to prevent gastric ulcers. can cimitidine be given to ferrets subq for the treatment of gi ulcers?? after this appreciable length of time, it's obvious that the carafate isn't going to work at all, and although they are both eating and drinking adequately, it's because i am handfeeding and scooping water for them. neither initiates any action towards independent eating/drinking, and i have to physically hold them and let them lick the food off my finger. they grind their teeth terribly pre and post meals, actually it starts when i am prepping their food, probably the smell initiates acid production, so i always try to give the carafate prior to starting food prep.
thanks for any suggestions that can be offered.
doreen and the dooks of hazard