From:
kittydoc2@aol.com
Date: 2002-06-16 13:34:00 UTC
Subject: Wobbly Kit
I am a new member of FHL, and have found all of your tips interesting and
helpful!
I now am searching for advice regarding one on my own.
"Pendelton" is a 15 week old Marshalls kit who I have owned since she was 7
weeks old. She has never been "right" - very clumsy and off compared to my
other kits. It was cute, and even endearing - and we thought she would
outgrow it.
As it became more pronounced, we became more worried. At 9 weeks old she
fell down a flight of stairs (actually, war danced off the edge, but that is
another story!) and suddenly became worse.
An appointment was made to see a ferret experienced vet 6 hours away. She
was examined, radiographed, and had blood done. The findings included a
birth defect in her spine that was thought NOT to be part of the problem,
because it was too far back to be causing the wobbles. Blood work showed a
high total white cell count, and especially the lymphocytes. Her ALT (liver)
was increased to 666.
The recommendations were to start her on antibiotics and monitor her. I did
NOT start her on the meds because there was no sign of infection (the
neutrophils - cells of infection - were normal, despite the high white cell
count). We are 2 more weeks down the line, and she is unchanged.
She has good days and bad days. On good days, she war dances and falls over
- gets up - and war dances until she falls again. On bad days, she wobbles
around like a little old lady, with the back end no where near following the
front. However, she always seems to FEEL good -eats well, likes to be
cuddled, and always trying to keep up with her housemates.
So, does this ring a bell with anyone? Where do I go from here - another
vet, more tests, try the antibiotics for the heck of it?? (I hate to give any
unnecessary meds - esp. antibiotics - for fear of doing more harm than good).
I appreciate any and all help!
Thanks
-Sandra
and Pendelton, Capers, Zachary, and Watson -- plus the 8 cats, the dog (the
"lesser species!" :), the rabbits, and the chickens!