From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-08-16 22:38:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Is this old age or arenal problems or?
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "kathy gadd" <katsuko2@h...> wrote:
> My 8yr.old ferret has recently lost a lot of weight and seems weak--
especially in his hindquarters. My vet admits that she has had little
experience with ferrets, and thinks his symptoms must only be due
to "old age"-with no recommended treatment. He still eats, drinks,
and has no bathroom problems. His disposition is as sweet as ever,and
affectionate--just not very active at all. Any ideas?
DearKathy -
There isn't much information to go on here. Geriatric ferrets do
lose muscle mass over time, and often have mild nerve degeneration in
back legs, which causes weakness in the hindlimbs. However this may
also be seen in a number of treatable and non-treatable conditions -
without more of a workup, it is dificult to tell what is really going
on.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM