From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2001-12-10 06:40:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Blessing, Phenobarbitol &
neurological seizures - input anyone?
Hi, Mary, Erin, and everyone else,
>
> Hello Mary and fellow FHLers, I too have a ferret who is having
> seizures. Not insulinomic episodes but actual neurological
> seizures.
We've come to the same conclusion about Romana. Her blood glucose was 101 when
it was last checked. Our vet is concerned about epilepsy or a brain tumor.
Epilepsy is rare in ferrets, but not unheard of, and can be managed. A brain
tumor is fatal.
> My vet discussed phenobarbitol with me
> but said he wanted to wait and see how Tigger does without it.
My vet will also go with phenobarbitol if the seizures become frequent (as in
once a week or more).
> I'm just wondering what the phenobarbitol will do.
Me too. I hope it doesn't come to that.
> To anyone out there who may have knowledge of this stuff, am I
> fighting a losing battle with these neurological seizures? I want to
> do everything humanly possible but I don't want my baby boy suffering
> either. Right now, I'm pondering THE question. I don't want to make
> that decision.
I discussed it with my vet. He is convinced that ferrets, like people, are
totally out of it when they have a seizure and do not suffer from it. The big
issue (and the deciding factor) will be the cause. I believe he said he could
do a CAT scan to determine if Romana is suffering from a brain tumor. If not,
and if it is epilepsy (or something similar) then she should still be able to
have a good, long life.
What makes this all so frustrating is that Romana is my youngest ferret. She's
all of three. She never had any problems until adrenal surgery in October.
Her vulva is *still* swollen and now the seizures have started. She's a
sweetheart and as perfectly trained as a ferret can be. She deserves better.
All the best,
Caity