From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2002-09-24 01:25:51 UTC
Subject: RE: Excessive Water Consumption
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <26206434.1032830751565.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> Snorkle drinks an excessive amount of water in his cage, where he is kept approximately 40%
> of each day, he will go through a 1/2 to 3/4 pint of water. He is always drinking from the
> community bowl when out playing with the rest of the clan.
> It appears to me that his 'thirst' is 4-5 times greater than the other ferrets.
> What, if anything, could this high water consumption be an indicator of? > Should I try Pediapred? I really don't like feeding steroids to any animal unless absolutely
> needed.
> Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
> MC
Dear MC:
I don't see any indication for steroids for excessive thirst. The two mian causes of excessive thirst would likely be compensation for chronic renal failure, or diabetes mellitus - neither calls for pred. Pred will actually worsen excessive urination, if present (and it usually is in animals that are drinking excessively).
I think prior to starting with pred in this case, bloodwork and urinatilysis is probablly in order.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM