From:
critterstudent1@yahoo.com
Date: 2001-12-03 14:37:00 UTC
Subject: Ferret sniffles
My ferret, Scout (6.5 years), has had the sniffles, conjestion
since August 01. She snores when she's sleeping, and makes many
squeaking sniffle noises when awake. She also seems to have
difficulty breathing, her chest expands wide when she sleeps, as if
she's unable to get enough air. She's been to the vet, had bloodwork
done, and has since been diagnosed with insulinoma. She's Aluetian
free. X-ray was good. She's on 0.6ml Pred 2x daily, and is taking an
amoxy-Dexamethnisone combo for sniffles, but it doesn't seem to help.
Question: Are the sniffles a symtom of insulinoma, and if not, what
could be causing this?
Also, the vets that I have spoken seem to shy away from
insulinoma surgery, do you agree? (She's had adrenal surgery @ 3
years.)
Additionally, she's eating Chicken baby food, mixed with Ferretvite,
Ferretone, mixed with the Pred. She loves it. She's gained weight
(don't have exact weight, but is significantly heavier). Since
starting this new diet, her abdominal area seems very bloated and
tight, like a balloon. Should I be concerned? Abdomin is normally
very squishy-mushy, from my experience.
More questions (for curiosity's sake): Where can I obtain info on
recieving The American Ferret Report?
Finally, is there anyone doing genetic research on ferrets?
Thank you, Jen