From:
lochristian
Date: 2002-06-22 16:04:00 UTC
Subject: gastric ulcer (was what do you think?)
> That is not a preferred protocol for ulcer treatment. What I treat
with is
> either amoxi/metronidazole/pepto or amoxi/biaxin/carafate or
> amoxi/metronidazole/carafate.
>
> Dr. Ruth
I know it isn't preferred protocol but I trust vet. Ferrets form the
bulk of practice and vet is well-known and respected in ferret
community. Has a phenomenal amount of experience in treating ferrets.
Has worked with several vets on this list as well. I am familiar with
dex (DH is a mountain climber)and know it is used to treat gastric
ulcers in humans. This may not be THE protocol, but I'm willing to go
with it as long as I continue to see improvement. Let me also stress
that Mojo literally went from seemingly healthy and normal to
vomiting, black tarry poop, and severe tooth grinding in the course
of a day!
Mojo seems to be recovering well. Has been under treatment since
Thursday afternoon (it is Saturday afternoon now) and is now drinking
water on his own -- though I am still "forcing" it as well -- and
nibbling at his kibble between AD feedings. I've upped amount of AD
to 5 feedings per day because Mojo has appetite again. Poops no
longer black and tarry. Barely any teeth grinding now. I think I'm
probably just impatient caretaker of patient and expected him to be
free of discomfort immediately. After a few hours sleep, signs of
improvement in Mojo, and improvement in DH's situation (he has
mycoplasma pneumonia and treatment didn't seem to be helping), it's a
whole new world.
On a more general note ... what is long-term prognosis when a ferret
has ulcers. Is the critter likely to have repeat episodes? Are ulcers
a constitutional tendency in some ferrets? Does slippery elm bark
have any efficacy in this situation? Basically, is this likely to be
a one-off illness or no?
Thanks-
Lo