From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2002-09-03 18:13:49 UTC
Subject: Re: older ferrets
To: krisbleitch1973@yahoo.ca, ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <p0511170fb99aaa662a33@[10.0.1.13]>
Hind end weakness is a general symptom.
Did the vet do any tests and if so what were the results? At that
age we regularly do CBC with blood chemistry and also blood glucose
levels. (BTW, liver readings in ferrets look scary sometimes to vets
and labs who aren't used to them; there is a very good write up on
that in the AFIP site.)
The fur loss could be adrenal neoplasia which is usually tackled with
surgery, or with Lupron, or melatonin, or a combination. Sometimes
in older ferrets an alternative med to treat the hormonal cascade is
used but my mind is drawing a blank when I try to remember the
name(s). Because of the danger of prostate inflammation males who
are treated by meds usually have medications to help protect the
prostate. You will find a helpful compilation with info on that and
the meds used in the Files section at
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth