From:
Heidi Greer Gong
Date: 2002-06-27 21:29:00 UTC
Subject: Seasonal Changes & More
Hi Everyone -
I originally posted a few days ago about my ferret, Tera, who is undergoing
some changes - namely weight & hair loss. Sukie advised me to take her to
the vet just in case.
Good thing I did, because the vet advised me that, while the shedding is
normal spring molting (yes, it's spring in OR), the weight loss, combined
with a recent history of mucoid and soft stools (and some dark greenies)
probably indicates a bacterial infection. They sent me home with amoxi,
Baytril & some Carafate (sp?). We also did a CBC, the results of which won't
be back until tomorrow. I love my vet - I won't mention any names, but he's
been featured several times in Ferrets Magazine and is a reputable exotics
specialist. They estimate that about 50% of their ferret patients have IBD.
(Wow!)
I was reluctant to take her in since none of her symptoms seemed serious,
and all could be explained away with a variety of reasons. As well-meaning
and investigative ferret parents we tend to self-diagnose, but I am glad
that I took your advice and paid the extra $$ for a little piece of mind!
Preventative medicine is sometimes the best cure.
Heidi