From:
tansy
Date: 2001-08-28 01:40:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] meesh: Help: Mighty Mouse is
sick/acute
Boy Michaela what you are describing sounds much more like an ulcer,
possibly exacebated by the stress of the show, than anything else. Have you
tried carafate or Pepto with her? I would do that and stop the aspirin until
you see your vet in case there is internal bleeding.
You can also get a fairly decent temperature by doing it axially in my
experience (in her armpit). Do the adjustments the same way as you do for a
human. It won't be as accurate as a rectal, but is a lot less stressful and
will give you a ballpark as to whether she is febrile.
But honestly, it sounds like classic ulcer symptoms. Keep her hydyated and
give her something to coat her stomach 10 minutes before you feed her until
you can get into the vets.
Also I have been going to shows for like 14 years now and it is really
unusual for a problem with a "bug" being transmitted, especially given the
cautions taken by judges and others handling the ferrets at shows. It is
possible, but fortunately actually very uncommon. I have never had a ferret
get sick from a show beyond some loose stools from stress.
tansy
> Hi all,
> I don't know how many people on the FHL went to the
> Ferret Buckeye Bash but I am curious because I think I
> may have brought something home to her (and wondered
> if anyone else's ferret who was there is ill). That,
> or there is another problem that's become acute.
> I've been empirically trying sulfasalazine for her
> diarrhea and usually hide it in a few mls of baby
> food. This a.m. she threw it all up and refused to
> eat. She hung her head over the litter box (for her,
> a sign of wanting to vomit) and wouldn't stop grinding
> her teeth.
> I took her to school with me so I could watch her
> and try and feed her etc. She would lick a few times
> off a tongue depressor with baby food but then refuse
> anymore and start grinding her teeth (for up to 10+
> minutes). Even if just gave her oral fluids from a
> syringe, she would grind her teeth. She acted
> depressed, lethargic, ADR (ain't doin' right)-
> wouldn't eat or drink on her own at all. Thank god
> today was slow and I could watch her carefully. She
> never threw up again and she had two poops (not normal
> but no different from the last few weeks) which
> suprised me since she had not eaten but maybe 10 licks
> of baby food all day (which is really bad since her
> insulinoma appears to be back). At one point I wasn't
> sure if the water bottle leaked in her carrier or if
> she urinated on her bedding. She is very depressed and
> not doing well. Sadly, the exotics doc was very busy
> and never got to see her but I have an appt. for tom.
> morning.
> I gave her SubQ Famotidine, 35 cc of SubQ lactated
> ringers and will give a few more ccs later.
> It is possible I just brought home a bug from the
> show, or from school (a number of people are sick),
> but I'm concerned about something more serious. It
> dawned on me that Sulfasalazine is a 5-ASA (i.e. a
> derivative of Aspirin) and given Mighty Mouse has had
> occult blood in her stool (ie bleeding in GI tract)
> for at least 8 months now, I'm concerned such a drug
> might exacerbate the problem - I am worried about
> perforating a bowel.
> I haven't been able to temp her. Her heart rate is
> 260 but she's been stressed at school or when I handle
> her so that's not unusual. I have no other clinical
> signs, so I don't know that anyone can add much but I
> just had to write. Never know, maybe someone else from
> the show is experiencing the same thing, or maybe
> someone has some idea I have missed.
>
> Michaela Maurice
> College of Veterinary Medicine
> Ohio State University
> Class of 2002
>
> =====
> *** If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams,
> and endeavours to lead a life which they have imagined,
> They will meet a success unexpected in common hours.
> Henry David Thoreau ***
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Yahoo! Messenger
> http://phonecard.yahoo.com/
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Ferret-Health-list-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> To post to the Ferret Health List send an email to:
> Ferret-Health-list@yahoogroups.com
>
> The advice and opinions expressed in this forum are by no means a
substitute for prompt, hands-on care, from a licensed, practicing
veterinarian.
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.273 / Virus Database: 143 - Release Date: 8/17/01
_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com