From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2001-12-10 07:49:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Re: Blessing, Phenobarbitol &
neurological seizures - input anyone?
Hi, Erin,
>
> 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. :(
I suppose there are other possibilities as well. Epliepsy or brain tumor are
the two most likely once hypoglycemia is ruled out, and even these are rare in
ferrets. Most sezures are related to insulinoma.
>
> 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 not at all sure that phenobarbitol will have that affect. I really feel
for you and Tigger.
>
> 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?
Yes.
> 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.
I've spent $12,500 on ferret vet bills over the last two years. Somehow $400
doesn't seem so unreasonable any more.
> 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?
There were eight days between the first two seizures, and two days between the
second and the third. Those are our minimum and maximum values so far. Hers
look like grand mal, though. Her body convulses and she whimpers. She's
totally wiped out afterwards.
>
> 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. :(
Ouch! I am very sorry. It seems to happen way too often, though. My Pertwee
has both adrenal glands out, a kidney out, and has an unexplained weight loss
now. He's eating gravy and kibble like they are going out of style, yet his
weight dropped from 1,398 grams down to 980 grams. He's stable at 980-1,000
now, but he is terribly skinny. My vet won't vaccinate him any more, or at
least not until his weight is over 1,100 grams. He considers anything under
1,200 too light for Pertwee, who is a *long* male ferret. Pertwee had his
first adrenal surgery at age one, and is now almost three and a half. He's my
second youngest ferret.
FWIW, the seven year olds are perfectly healthy. Go figure.
Take care,
Caity