From:
FHbytheSea@aol.com
Date: 2002-08-06 18:12:55 UTC
Subject: Imuran and IBD
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <119.155163ce.2a816ba7@aol.com>
I've got a young ferret diagnosed with IBD - I will now insert a disclaimer
that the diagnosis is not based on a biopsy - shes had diarrhea without
relief since she came into the shelter - a fairly young ferret at 11 months
of age. The only thing that has worked to help firm her stools is a twice
daily dose of prednisolone (1/4 of a 5mg tablet). We have tried to wean her
off of the pred, with no success - 2 days maximum after reducing or
eliminating a dose causes a recurrance of diarrhea.
She has repeatedly tested negative for coccidia and giardia.
We are attempting to slowly change her food over to a more hypoallergenic
diet such as the turkey & barley, duck and pea or venison and potato. I'm
very hesitant to keep her on the prednisolone if I can help it - is Imuran
really working that well with IBD ferrets? (you may remember we had a shelter
ferret die from what pathology showed as prednisolone-induced diabetes)What
is the dosage so that I can pass this information on to my veterinarian? Are
there any other alternatives to pred for reducing/eliminating the diarrhea?
Thanks in advance!
Lisa Leidig, Head Ferret
The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea"
www.ferrethaven.org