From:
Erin Simkins
Date: 2001-11-20 12:29:00 UTC
Subject: Central Nervous System Problems, help please?
I will try to make this as straight to the point as possible while
including the emergency details despite my emotional state at the
moment.
Tigger, 3 y.o. MF male
Has had all adrenal tissue removed and is on 3 week 0.2 ml injections
of DOCP. Had 2 tumors removed from his pancreas as well as 20% of
the pancreas itself. Has *never* show signs of insulinoma, even in 3
blood tests within the last 2 months. Also has dilative
cardiomyopathy but is doing excellent on his meds: 0.05 ml of lasix,
1/2 tablet of 1 mg enacard. Chest films show the heart in excellent
condition. Has tested negative for ADV on both the CEP and ELISA
tests.
This past Sunday, Tigger went into an "episode." I was returning
from a vacation in Tampa when my friend who was ferretsitting for me
called in a panic. All signs pointed towards a heart problem (so I
thought), labored breathing & open-mouthed, lethargic, etc. She took
Tigger to a local vet. My local vets are not ferret knowledgeable.
We could *not* get any blood drawn. I tried to draw it too but was
unable to pull enough up. We treated with 50% dextrose fluids across
the gums constantly. He was not swallowing, unresponsive... gum
coloring was satisfactory, almost too red but paw pads were slightly
bluish-purple (?). Chest film was done upon my request to rule out
heart problems. As previously noted, his heart was fine. He was due
for his DOCP injection the following day so he recieved 0.25 ml sub-Q
in hopes that in case the electrolytes were imbalanced, this would
help. He also received a 0.1 ml sub-Q shot of Dex. (I think that is
the amount he got.)
We weren't making any head-way so I rushed him to an emergency clinic
40 minutes away in Akron that I know treats ferrets. (Time was an
issue previously.) Upon arriving, his temperature was 105°, he was
tachycardic and he was having seizures. Blood glucose was tested and
was at 87. This was about 1 hour after he'd been giving the shot of
dex and was constantly getting the fluids across his gums. He had
obviously had a severe hypoglycemic episode. After an hour, the temp
came down to normal though the seizures continued. Blood work came
back only indicating dehydration. (Elevated kidney values,
hemoglobin, etc.) These values have since returned to normal and the
BG has stayed normal also.
Tigger has remained hospitalized. Because of the seizure, he is now
suffering from Central Nervous System problems. He has some facial
tremors, has lost sight and reaction in the left eye and doesn't see
much if at all in his right. He head is slightly cocked to the right
and every so often he shakes a little. Almost like ferrets do when
they are just waking up. They put him on valium to help the seizures
and fluids to make sure he remains hydrated, etc. He is being
syringe fed and ate 10 ccs of food off of my finger while visiting
last night. (I was not allowed to give him more at the time though
I'm pretty certain he would have eaten it.)
The only update I have so far today is that he only had one seizure
last night. They are continuing to syringe feed him little bits at a
time. They've taken him off the valium and he's had a few small
bowels movements. The vet is supposed to call me once he gets out of
surgery with another patient.
Does anyone have ANY experience with this type of situation? The vet
feels he can make a recovery, it just depends on how long the brain
was starved of sugar. I'm looking for anyone who has over-come CNS
problems, what you might have done for treatment and any other advice
you could give. If any vets out there would like to post success
and/or failure rates, please do so. While I'd like to be optimistic,
I'd also like to remain realistic too. I apologize for not having
better details as far as treatment and dosages.
The cause of all this is not important to me right now. My friend
takes wonderful care of her ferrets and of mine too, so I know it
wasn't anything she could have changed. I know it is not
insulinoma. I think he got worked up a strange place (even though he
had his buddies) and perhaps started having an Addisonian crisis.
His lasix could have dehydrated him throwing the electrolytes off
even more. All of this could have made him not feel like eating,
increased his heartbeat and hence the episode. I'm scared that he
will be trapped in a body that won't let him be my Tigger, my baby
boy. I have one partially paralyzed ferret already and I just don't
know if I could handle seeing my baby, momma's little boy, like that
too.
I'm sorry this is so long, but I need all the help, prayers and
positive vibes you can spare right now. Please, no emails telling me
to let him go. I need encouraging support right now and can't handle
reading notes about making a decision. It's always in the back of my
mind and that's where I'd like it to stay for now. If you email me
me off the list, please send mail to ferretkrazi @ yahoo.com (without
the spaces). This email I'm posting with is my work account.
Many, Many thanks...
Sincerely,
Erin