From:
williamsb@comcast.net
Date: 2002-10-09 12:41:02 UTC
Subject: RE: sneezing,highwbc,highbun/phos
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <14213774.1034167262176.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Dear Sue:
The sneezing and discharge points most likely to a problem in the upper respiratory tract. Thoracic problems generally do not cause sneezing. I am oncerned most, however, by the elevated WBC count - 17,000 indicates significant inflamatory disease. The elevated BUN and phosphorus may be a temporary finding due to dehydration - ferets who can't breathdon't eat and drink much - the specific gravity of the urine is god, so there is likely not renal disease here.
At this point, I would concentrate on the head and nasal cavity - but this is a very difficult area to get to. A smear on the nasal dscarge, and radiographs/ultrasound of the nasal passages would be appropriate as part of the work (but are all relatively low-yield procedures in most practices.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM
Author wrote:
> Hey all
> I have a 5 year old female mf ferret. she has been sneezing very hard for 3 days. When she sneezes it last for a about a minute and she cries out like in pain. She has clear nasal discharge, no fever, but flushed after "attacks"
> I had thorax films done that were unremarkable. I sent out blood work that came back with a BUN of 50; phosph of 9.9, wbc of 17,000 (mostly neutrophils), triglycerides slightly elevated.
> UA- SG: 1.027, protein 1+, pH 6.0 all else normal.
> So I had an ultrasound done and both kidneys had a small cyst, messentary lymphs were slightly enlarged, and both adrenals were slightly enlarged (showing signs of adrenal- alopecia)
> On HW prevention and no signs of HW dx on ultrasound or radiographs.
> Prior to receiving blood work she was started on Amoxi, but after the WBC came back she was put on Baytril 5mg/kg SQ. It was thought best not to stress her with oral baytril. She is also receiving maint fluids SQ. So far no change (2 days only) However, I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions?
> No one in the house has had influenza, but I guess I could have carried it. (4 other ferrets in house are fine)
> Thanks for any opinions.