Message Number: SG984 | New FHL Archives Search
From: elnrrgby1@aol.com
Date: 2002-08-22 20:23:52 UTC
Subject: Bilirubin in urine (repost)
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <25968342.1030047832914.JavaMail.root@scandium>

Don't know what happened to that first post,
but let me try that again.

I have another ill ferret and wanted to get
some input on lab results if possible. Most
notably, what would be the most likely cause(s)
for bilirubin to show up on a U/A?

Results were:
SG: 1.024 (via Spectrometer)
Urobilinogen: 0.2
Bilirubin: ++++
Protein: trace
Ketones: neg
pH: 7.5
Blood: neg
Leukocytes: neg (don't know if that reading is
even beneficial w/ ferrets)
Glucose: neg
(dipstick only was done due to limited sample)

Also, CBC results from same day showed:
WBC up at 20.1
Neutrophils % up at 78.8
Total Neutrophils # up at 15.8
Total Monocytes # up at 582.9
Rest was normal looking, except only very slight
deviations of MCV, MCH, and and MCHC. No bands present.

Chemistry from same day was normal with the
exception of:
ALT up at 129
CPK up at 295
Sodium down at 142
Total bilirubin is high normal at 0.4 (this panel
doesn't differentiate between indirect and direct
bilirubin).

Ferret in question is a 5-6 yr. old, neutered male
with advanced adrenal (~ 2 years since symptoms started)
status post unsuccessful surgery attempt about one
year ago. He is currently showing some curling/knuckling
of the toes on the hind feet only, some minor difficulty
with gait/balance at times, pronounced lethargy, and
sporadic severe diarrhea (pure liquid at times, but
sometimes near normal). Appetite is very good, but
currently on A/D almost exclusively. Weight is normal
at around 3.5#, although has a pendulous abdomen. He
has been on Lupron (monthly depot) for almost a year now
and is now also back on a low-dose of Propecia with very
good control of his adrenal symptoms. He has been
ruled out for insulinoma with several four-hour fasting
glucose tests, as well as sporadic home checks during
episodes of weakness/wobbliness. He did have to be catheterized due to a near complete urinary blockage
from prostate enlargement about one month ago. We
restarted the Propecia at that time, did a 10-day course
of Baytril as a precautionary measure, and that problem
seems to be resolved and he is urinating freely again.
Of possible note regarding the blockage, it occurred
within 24 hours of one of his life-long cagemates
passing away in her sleep (she was around 9 yrs.
of age), so we were thinking it was possibly stress
induced at the time.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks in advance,
Stacia