From:
NCFerretMom@yahoo.com
Date: 2002-12-14 01:14:51 UTC
Subject: More liver disease
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <25342669.1039828491455.JavaMail.root@scandium>
This is long. I am sorry. I have tried to be succinct, but think there are lots of bits of info that are pertinent - or may be!
Bubbles was a late spay,a breeder from the Dec. 2000 rescue in NJ. She apparently resorbed the litter she was carrying at the time. Since I have had her she has always been pudgy. She does have a few genetic defects, including preauricular skin tags. She cocks her head to one side as if she may have a unilateral hearing loss. Bubbles is now white, but I think she was a silver. Age is guesstimated at about 4 years. She also has a dead canine tooth.
I can't keep her BG up higher than the 60s and it is hard to get the pred down. I was having to scruff her. (Anyway, I did find something she will take easier I can hide it in the chicken gravy without her detecting it).
The Monday before Thanksgiving I took Bubbles in for an ultrasound. She was acting like she hurt the Saturday before and we saw the vet that day. An ultrasound expert was coming in to teach new stuff that day, so we had several vets observing my Bubbles' belly.
The ultrasound showed liver disease in both lobes. At first the vet said they thought it was the same as Dodger has (hepatic cystadenocarcinoma). She said it would be impossible to remove it and leave enough liver for Bubbs to live. I asked about bloodwork and was told it would probably show what we already know.
I took her home and continued the pred for insulinoma, added the pain meds and prepared for the worst. I thought I was going to have to take her in the next week to say goodbye. When I tried to scruff her for the meds, I noticed a rectangular patch over the left carotid area that was bald - no breakage. The vessel beneath and the surrounding area appeared to be swollen.
As I looked closely, I realized that there are a few little bald spots in numerous places on her body. They are very tiny - maybe pinhead size. The hair from the shaved belly is growing back and I do not think she is adrenal.She does seem a little *dry* but not dehydrated.
She is now playing and seems very happy. Back to her old self.
Advice needed. I am having too many new things here and don't want to short her on her care. I hope I have remembered everything. Thanks for any insights you have.
renee :)