From:
norstress
Date: 2002-01-11 00:31:00 UTC
Subject:
Hi all -
My 4 year old, Frances, started showing a swollen vulva and was seen
by our Vet two weeks ago. We are assuming adrenal disease since she
was spayed as a kit and has shown no other signs of sexual/hormonal
problems. At that time, there was no noticeable discharge, and other
than being very swollen, her vulva doesn't appear to be painful, red
or irritated. She is showing no signs of discomfort, hair loss,
itching, wasting, etc. etc. Her activity level, appetite and poops
have been normal. We discussed surgery and decided it will be the
best option for Frances, although we need a little time (about a
month), as we are still paying off the surgery we had on her
cagemate, Bosco (now over the bridge), a month and a half ago.
One week ago, I noticed a slight vaginal discharge and the vet put
her on Sulfatrim 0.4cc, 2x a day, to fight vaginal infection. Two
days ago, she seemed to lose her appetite a little bit, although I
did see her eating. Yesterday, she hid all day and would not eat any
of her kibble or drink on her own. Noticed that her poops were
getting dark and slimy, (Frances had ECE as a kit and, although she
gave it to Bosco, she only experienced minor symptoms herself). I
called the Vet and stopped the antibiotic (last dose was Tuesday
p.m.). Tried to give her some duck soup to no avail, and after
syringing her some pedialyte/water, she promptly vomited (as she had
eaten nothing, it looked like mostly bile). Took her to the Vet first
thing this morning. Her poops were mucousy and almost clear.
The vet gave her some subcutaneous fluids and pepcid to stabilize
her. Fecal smear was negative. She also ran a CBC but could not get a
proper reading on a chem panel. Her WBC is normal and she is not
anemic. Her temperature was a little low (I think 99?). She was given
barium and they took some X-rays to look for a blockage (found
nothing showing). She never vomited again and was taking water and
duck soup by the end of today, but she is still pretty lethargic. We
brought her home to continue monitoring her progress, and are to
continue with the duck soup, pedialyte, and pepcid routine. We have
some Metoclopramide to give her in case of vomiting.
The problem now is that on top of all of this, my Vet is going to be
out of town for a week! I am a little freaked out. She suggested I
call the other big ferret clinic in the area (about an hour away) and
make a follow up appointment for Saturday. I have her x-rays and
copies of records from today. I am ok with this plan, and am
confident in both my Vet and the "other clinic", but I don't
know what to make of Frances' condition. I don't know what to expect!
Has anyone else had anything similar? Other than a blockage, what
could this be? I don't want to panic, but I don't want to miss
anything, either.
Sorry for such a long post, We would be grateful for any help or
suggestions.
Nora & Fancy Pances