From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2002-12-24 02:47:09 UTC
Subject: RE: problem kid
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <12030867.1040698029806.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> He was diagnosed with IBD about seven months ago by symptoms only, no surgery. He was prescribed Pred for life. Now he is displaying adrenal symptoms. He does not have a winter coat this season, very thin course hair, loss of muscle, fat belly and little neck. I am strongly considering weening him off of Pred and trying melatonin. The melatonin bottle suggested to consult with a M.D. before taking if you were taking prednasone. He is as playful as ever and eats fine, but I am a bit worried.
Dear Jenny:
If he truly has IBD, then weaning off the prednisone will result in a recrudescence of signs. You don't mention what the signs were, or what the dosage of prednisone is, and if you have tried to find the lowest therapeutic dose.
To make matters worse, the signs that you are seeing may be the result of long-term steroid use. I myself have a ferret with similar signs who has been on long-term steroids for eosinophilic enteritis - problem is, we are at the lowest dose that keeps his stools within any semblance of normal, and keeps him eating.
Melatonin is a possibility, but I think at this point, I might opt for exploration, adrenalectomy (if necessary) and an intestinal biopsy - take careof everything at once - find out what's really going on in there, and take definitive action.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
I would advise a vet visit prior to changing his current medication status. Here are a couple of good possibilities:
Dr. Adam Denish
Bustelton Ave.
Phila Pa. 19152
215-333-8888
Dr. Anna Edling
2303 Hickory Road
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
(610) 828-3054
Dr. Jill Kulig
391 Main Street
Harleysville, PA 19438
215-256-4664
End of ferrethealth Digest
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