From:
deevecchione@cs.com
Date: 2001-11-22 05:45:00 UTC
Subject: IBD and Megaesophagus, Timmy's tonic?
Hi everyone,
My 4.5 y.o. gib, BJ, has had IBD for over a year now. One month ago,
I started him on the Imuran at .2 ml every other day. A few days
ago, I bumped it up to .2 ml every day. He also gets .2 ml
injectable Dexamethasone daily, but I am trying to wean him off. His
blood work last week was within normal parameters, but his WBC were
slightly elevated. My vet said not to worry about it. I am so afraid
that this is going to turn into Lympho. I'm thinking of starting him
on Timmy's Tonic, but I'm afraid it might aggravate his IBD. Maybe
some colloidal silver? What do you think?
A few months ago his renal values were bad, but he recovered with
sub-Q therapy and Dex for the IBD. He still gets .75 ml of fluid
every night because I feel he's dehydrating. His stools are pretty
good, but large. I'm supporting him with A/D and pumpkin. He also
gets Duck and Green Pea kibble and Z/D. He grinds his teeth horribly
when he eats his kibble, and throws his head around 180 degrees
towards his sides. Like it's hard to get it down. Kind of reminds me
of a horse that's colicking and biting at its' belly. He is
absolutely fine when he eats the mush. Doesn't even grind his teeth.
I wonder if he could be developing megaesophagus(Dr. Burgess stated
that IBD can lead to that), and the kibble just doesn't slide down
as easily, so it hurts. Any opinions?
Previous treatment for helicobacter did not help. He is a HORRIBLE
patient! He is a jaw clencher and a "scruff-bucker"! He hates the
pepto, the carafate did not help. I just read a post from Dr.
Burgess that suggests a Zantac compound, so I'll ask my vet about
that. I think I also might try some Ferretzyme probiotics.
I just feel so bad for my little guy. He won't play like he used to.
He'll just trot here and there with a toy, and then go back to bed.
My older ferrets are running circles around him. He'll lie in my
lap while I stroke him and doesn't even try to leave. None of my
ferrets have ever done that. They love a good scratching, but then
it's off for ferret play.
I really wish he could speak and tell me how to help him, but that's
not going to happen, so........
Thanks for any and all advice!
Dodie in NJ