From:
Steve Austin
Date: 2002-11-02 17:16:14 UTC
Subject: ferret emergencies
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <26120838.1036266955705.JavaMail.nobody@magnesium>
Just a reminder that hind end weakness is a vague symptom
that can mean anything. A quick glucose check can
rule out insulinoma pretty fast and ADV test if never done.
Teeth grinding can be anything as well, but I think the first
approach would be treat as stomach upset and look
for the cause.
After that it can be many things. We know the most common,
which are the most likely but can't get stuck on those.
Point is that we have to think about lots of possibilities when
a ferret is ill, the vets have to go down a list of differentials
and rule them out. So, first is the most common, and then
so on. I have never seen an animal that is so fragile yet so resilient
as a ferret. They tend to mask their problems and keep going until
they just collapse. I swear they are fine one minute than go down
hill so quick on you, that anytime a ferret is not active,
is sick more than a few hours, or not eating I go right to the vet,
the vet needs to understand how fast these guys crash and be
aggressive with their treatment.
I think that when things happen on a weekend and after hours
you need to think about going to the very expensive emergency
vet, because no post to a group, or call to the vet substitutes for
the vets hands on exam. I am not saying it is wrong, and I
rely on the group to help me figure out what I should
be asking the vet and what else may be a consideration.
I work in the ER and get calls all
the time from mother's- I have learned that I can give some
advice for home treatment, but I really can't tell until
I see the child. I have to tell them to call their doctor or
come in most of the time- just can't take the chance.
I am sure it is equally as hard for a vet on the phone
to give advice without seeing the animal and having
some tests done.
I would also suggest that owners get to know the emergency vets
in the area as far as who knows ferrets and how their reputations
are. Also, if you are in an area with little choices, then start
by picking a vet who is willing to learn, has the basic info,
some people have even bought medical books for their vet.
I get Internet articles all the time for mine. Be prepared for
the late night emergency by knowing who you would call
and where you would go. THe first time it happened
to me, I called my vet and then realized no emergency service,
I had to go to the yellow pages and make calls in the middle
of the emergency, not good.
Vets make mistakes too, so unless it is something obvious and
blatantly negligent, I don't judge. I had a vet once tell
me my ferret's swollen vulva and discharge was just an infection-
little did I know about adrenal disease, nor him apparently.
I switched vets. He was very good with my dog though.
Everyone has their limitations, I think that the vet has to be honest
with you if he knows ferrets or not, and his comfort level and
find out where the closest vet is that does deal with ferrets.
Just my 2 cents worth for today.
Patty K
End of ferrethealth Digest
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