From:
ferretkrazi
Date: 2001-12-10 12:10:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Blessing, Phenobarbitol & neurological seizures - input
anyone?
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., Caitlyn Martin <caitlynmaire@e...>
wrote:
> 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.
So sorry to hear this Caity... I'll keep my fingers crossed that
it's only epilepsy. Seems weird to say that but with those as your
only two options, at least epilepsy can be treated. :(
> My vet will also go with phenobarbitol if the seizures become
frequent (as in
> once a week or more).
Unfortunately, Tigger is having seizures about every 45 to 60 minutes
in the evenings and less frequently in the mornings. They are not
gran mal seizures but serious enough to cause concern, of course. He
tilts his head back, smacks his gums and foams at the mouth. The
valium seems to help to a certain extent but having a doped up ferret
is no more fun than having one that is going through a seizure.
>
> > I'm just wondering what the phenobarbitol will do.
>
> Me too. I hope it doesn't come to that.
Yes, for your sake and mine. It seems like there are no other
avenues of treatment left though.
> 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.
My vet believes the same thing Caity. It might be painfree for them
but it's killing me. Do you plan to do a CAT scan? Tigger's vet
suggested that or an MRI but with the emergency fees I just paid for
him, I can't afford another $400 vet bill. Never really thought I'd
say that. I'll keep Romana close at heart and hope that she gets
past this on her own without medication. It sounds like she doesn't
have the seizures often, is that right?
>
> 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.
Aww... the poor little girl. Caity, I'm so sorry... I'm glad that
you spoke up though. I've felt so alone with all this stuff
happening to him. I have many caring ferret friends who have been
more than supportive but in a strange way, it's comforting to know
I'm not the only one going through this neurological BS. Tigger is
only 3 as well. He's had 2 adrenal surgeries, a portion of his
pancreas removed and he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy last
November. It seems so unfair - all of this bad stuff happening when
they are so young. :(
My thoughts are with you both, please keep in touch.
Big Hugs,
Erin