From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2002-10-15 00:28:22 UTC
Subject: RE: Severe Dehydration
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <26431468.1034641702458.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> Hello,
> I am looking for some additional assistance in treating a ferret. He is 7
> years old. Dropped off to the shelter. Did perfectly fine for the first
> couple of weeks. Then the downhill began. First there was a respiratory
> infection. Treated along with weight lost. Blood work done. Low sugar,
> low protein, enzymes in urine. Along with that depression. Sub Q's are done
> on a average of one or two a day a couple of days a week. Appetite is very
> funny.
Dear Benita:
While it is difficult to be specific without specific bloodwork values, the fatigue can be due to one of two possibilities - either the hypoglycemia or the dehydration, or both.
Severe dehydration requires daily administration of fluids - you have to get him adequately hydrated and keep him that way, not get him partially caught up, then let him relapse, and catch him back up again. Dehydration will prevent him from hydrating himself.
Regarding the hypoglycemia - this is something that likely will require addressing, too - whether medically or surgically (my preference, if he can be made stable enough.)
The low protein - likely the result of chronic inflammation in the gut - not uncommon in older ferrets, but It would be better to know the precise value in order to adjudge the seriousness of the problem.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM