From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-10-04 13:36:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Strange passing
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., WeaselLuvr@a... wrote:
> A friend of mine had one of her ferts pass unexpectedly. The
strange thing
> was when she found her, her gums and paw pads had turned black.
Does anyone
> have any idea what may have caused this? The ferret was only 2 and
had
> checked out healthy at her annual exam just a few months ago.
>
> Tea`
Dear Tea:
A description of black pads in a ferret that passed unexpectedly may
be a bit of hyperbole, but very dark blue gums and pads indicates
cyanosis - this is not a specific finding but is a terminal finding
in many diseases. As the heart fails, the blood does not get
oxygenated and the extremeties, nailbeds, pads, nose, and gums turn
brick red, then purple (some people say grey, and some say black -
depends upon your outlook.)
In any case of unexpected deaths, the best answers are always gained
by doing an autopsy.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams,DVM