From:
Michael Janke
Date: 2002-01-11 17:09:00 UTC
Subject: 2nd Post - Neurological problem?
I received a call from someone in Kentucky that has a sick ferret and is
looking for some help with a diagnosis. The ferret has already been to the
local vet and the University of Tennessee. The owner is currently unable to
afford an MRI, which was suggested as the next step.
I'm including a number of jpeg scans of Sassy's bloodwork and I'll include
comments below from the local vet and the U of T. The primary symptom that
the owner sees is that Sassy constantly shakes. This occurs at all times
except when in a very deep sleep. There is also some weakness and
stumbling/falling over.
The preliminary diagnosis by the U of Tenn. was... "Encephalitis or Tumor."
Their comments follow. The scan was difficult to read, so forgive any
slight errors...
"Sassy has neurological problems. This could be secondary to a tumor or
inflammation of the brain. The inflammation could be caused by a protozoa
(Toxoplasma) or a bacteria (ehrlicia). Other causes are also possible. At
this time, please treat Sassy with Doxycycline and Clindamycin. The next
step would be a spinal tap and a brain scan."
Sassy was treated with the two drugs for approximately two weeks with no
change in condition. In fact, the owner feels she has gotten slightly
worse.
Sassy's local vet says...
"This is what I have from U.T. [blood work attached] She was referred down
there for her muscle tremors/spasms. She looked to be having some kind of
"tic" rather than a seizure. She has some proprioceptive defects in the rear
legs especially the left. Her placing reflex is very slow in the left rear.
Disc space L 5-6 is narrowed but I don't think this is causing the tics. We
had scheduled an MRI, but was cancelled by [the client]."
Any thoughts based on the above comments would be greatly appreciated.
Previously attached test result are not included with this message but
may be seen in post# 9955.
mike