From:
lindaknights@earthlink.net
Date: 2002-10-29 12:51:57 UTC
Subject: IBD
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <6682266.1035895917610.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Howdy all,
I've been owned by ferrets for about 10 years now - with an assortment of fuzzy owners claiming me. We've been through a number of health problems but this one is getting me down.
Hercules has, we believe, IBD. He had ECE when he was 1 and has since then had periodic "flashbacks" of green slime and birdseed poops but handled them without incident and they were always of short term duration.
About a month ago (he is now 5 years old) he started with another flashback but this one didn't stop and within a week he was down to 1 lb 4 oz weight. (Normally around 3 lbs).
He's been on a dose of 2 antibiotics and is now on fairly high dose pred (approximately 4 mg/day in 2 divided doses). We are feeding him exclusively chicken baby food as he doesn't want kibbles at all - not even mixed in with the baby food.
Despite frequent feedings he has episodes of nausea (treated by an injection), periodic diarrhea (including tarry stools), lethargy and a generalized lack of appetite. Twice in the last two months we've had to give him SQ fluids as he was dehydrated to the point he wouldn't eat/drink and couldn't be forced to do either.
He has good days and bad days but in general is not gaining any weight back.
Anyone have any special tricks? Or know if that pred dose is in the ballfield of correct for a ferret of his weight?
Linda K