From:
dr_bruce_williams
Date: 2002-05-20 23:00:00 UTC
Subject: Re: chronically sick ferret
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "hootersmomm" <hootersmomm@k...>
wrote:
> Hello, I was just looking for some other advice on my ferret
Kalli.
> I adopted her from the KC Ferret Shelter and she has been
> consistently ill since. I have a wonderful vet who is working very
> closely with me to help Kalli. She's had a constant battle with
> Coccydia, green poop, slimy poop, yellow poop, birdseed poop,
mucousy
> poop, you name it. She's lost a lot of weight and you can feel her
> ribs. Her hair at times gets brittle feeling. She seems to shake
> all the time too. We've had her on Amoxy, Metronidazole,
Prednisone,
> Albon. Done numerous fecal tests. Done blood work. Everything
> seems to point to her having ECE in the past and having chronic
> illnesses as a result (secondary). We don't really know what else
to
> do for Kalli.
Dear Angel:
With a history of ECE in the past, and constantly poor stools, I
would think about the possiblity of inflammatory bowel disease.
With this possibility, the most definitive diagnostic test available
is an intestinal biopsy (either via exploratory laparotomy or
endoscopy). This would be preferable to months of possibly
unnecessary antibiotics.
If surgery is not a possibility here, then I would recommend
discontinuing the Flagyl - I see no cause to use it and the visceral
reaction to this drug may result in gastric ulcers which would
considerably worsen the prognosis. The use of 0.5 mg prednisone once
daily for 2-4 weeks as an empiric therapy is not likely to cause any
additional problems, and IBD cases are often improved on this low
dose.
Another thing to look at is the diet. Untreated IBD cases generally
have trouble with kibbled diets, and this worsens diarrhea. A more
digestible food such as baby food, duck soup, or a/d when coupled
with prednisone, usually gives the most rapidly visible response.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM