Message Number: YG12350 | New FHL Archives Search
From: sukieferret
Date: 2002-04-08 18:05:00 UTC
Subject: Re: cardiomyopathy

> searched the archives and learned a great deal about this >
condition. I know there's no cure, just treatment.

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http://miamiferret.org/fhc

is a very good source of information.

--

> if it is cardiomyopathy, how long can a ferret live with this
> condition?

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Depends on the ferret, the level of disease, the complications
present, and how well meidcated (including how well the ferret
responds to the meds). Utlrasounds really help when figuring
out the medicating. We've had about a half year to over a year
(Can't recall exactly but maybe she got as much as a year and a
half.)

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And how exactly do they die from it? Drown from fluid in the
> lungs? Suffocate? Or do they basically have a heart attack?

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We have never had one have a heart attack.

Here is what our expereinces had: Breathing becomes more
difficult, lethargy increased. We've even had one develop
peripheral edema. There comes a day when they just show that
they want to give up and it becomes time for a mercy shot.

The meds are very important and types and amounts may and
will change over time.