From:
kath0524
Date: 2002-05-08 09:43:00 UTC
Subject: Re: next step in ferret with weight loss
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "coachgail" <elseyg@o...> wrote:
> The problem is that Clyde has gone from 2.6 lbs ag to 1.7 lbs. He
> has always been thin, but now is presenting an almost malnourished
> look. Hip bones and spine are prominent. No sigificant hair loss.
> Appetite is normal and still plays, although he has always been
> an "old man" who sleeps alot.
I went through this same thing with Chester. He's a rescue I took in
nearly 2 years ago. He has always been small. In fact, if you just
look at him, you think he's a girl because of his small size. A few
months ago, I noticed that he was emaciated looking! We ran
bloodwork, fecal, urinalysis, and who knows what else. Never could
find a cause.
I knew I could fatten him up but I also knew that didn't tell us why
he was so thin. I didn't want to do surgery for something so non-
specific so I chose just to put some weight back on him.
I began by feeding him Gerber's with heavy whipping cream and Dyne
twice a day. I let him eat as much as he wanted at each sitting.
The ounces piled on quickly. I then cut him back to once a day and
then to every other day. This week, I totally cut off the feedings
to see how he does. He actually has some substance to him now. I
hope the weight will stay on.
Doc thinks Chester may be a lot older than we think and may just be
an old man slowing down. Personally, I don't think he's so old.
When he gets going, he can keep up with the best of 'em.
Katharine