From:
nlchipman
Date: 2002-03-05 12:51:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Respiratory problems
>
It's like he's choking, a heavy breathing with his chest moving a
lot. it sounds like a congestion. This happens a couple of times a
day and it lasts five or six seconds everytime.
> Sole & Ringo
Hi.
I don't want to sound like a preacher, but respiratory problems are
not to be taken lightly. I had a ferret with a similar problem.
From the day I adopted him at the age of 6yrs, I noticed his
breathing was right. He breathed harder and faster than normal. He
didn't seem to have sneezing attacks, but had a frequent choke
sounding cough. It would come on for a few days and then disappear
for weeks. I took him to several different doctors who all did a
series of blood tests and chest x-rays, finding nothing. He was
finally prescribed Benedryl for allergies.
After about 9 months of this, he collapsed one hot summer evening.
Come to find out, he had mediastidal lymphoma in his chest and the
mass had grown large enough to constrict his breathing. Sounds
horrible and looked even worse. But it all started with a little
cough and heavy breathing that no one could figure out.
I can imagine you are dealing with something different, but just so
that everything can be considered I wanted you to know my story.
Good luck with Ringo!
Nicole