Message Number: SG1427 | New FHL Archives Search
From: ELNRRGBY1@aol.com
Date: 2002-09-15 09:20:54 UTC
Subject: Friable bowel- Bonzai update (he's home!)
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <d0.2d2382d5.2ab5aaf6@aol.com>

Hello all,

Just wanted to give an update in case anyone is curious. Bonzai was finally
allowed to come home on 09/12/02 (8 days after surgery). He has lost about
1.5 pounds since 09/02/02, but luckily for him he was almost 5 pounds prior
to surgery and had the extra weight to lose without it hurting him too
much....still, what a way to go on a diet!

He was converted to oral antibiotics (Amoxi) prior to coming home, is still a
semi-soft diet, and is still on restricted activity for at least another week
or so per vet orders just to be extra cautious. He is eating only so-so for
me at this point, but that seems to be picking up a bit today. He has eaten
almost a can of A/D in about the last 20 hours or so, so it is not a huge
issue at this point. He's just not taking any ground TF mixed in with A/D
for me like he was at the clinic prior to coming home even though TF was his
primary diet before this happened. He is passing fairly normal stools that
are typical for what you expect with a soft diet, no blood or mucus. His
energy level is very, very good....too good considering his activity
restrictions. He wants to just Run, Run, Run! Oh, and the first thing he
did when he got out of his cage for the first time back home was to hunt down
his favorite moose toy and quickly stash it in a new spot on the other side
of the room. :o)

We still have no clue what caused this, but the vet does have at least a few
pictures from the procedure, including a pretty good close up of the actual
perforation. All I can say is that it was incredible to see this stuff and
then look over at the cage and still see him alive, at least for me anyway.
Hopefully I can get copies of the pictures in the next week or so when we go
back for a recheck. If I do get copies, I will post them for anyone
interested.

Thank you again to Dr. Kramer and Sukie for the information and help, as well
as to Ronald and Lyal for the cards. It was all very much appreciated!!!!

Stacia