From:
jenneva2002
Date: 2002-06-30 01:42:00 UTC
Subject: incredibly stubborn ulcer, please help
I have a 4 year old male ferret that has gastrointestinal ulcers.
The symptoms began mid-April 2002. He had intermittent diarrhea for
approximately two weeks, which I had attributed to stress. The
diarrhea started almost immediately after losing my other ferret to
cancer, and in addition to that we moved to a new house during this
time. My ferret was obviously missing his best friend and was upset
by the move, but didn't outwardly appear to be sick except for the
sporadic diarrhea.
On May 2nd he had profuse bloody diarrhea. It was bright red, and
consisted almost entirely of blood. I immediately took him to the
local animal hospital and had him admitted. All the standard tests
were done to determine if there was an underlying cause. He tested
negative for Clostridial bacteria. The bloodwork revealed elevated
lymphocytes, but the abdominal ultrasound was completely normal.
I took him home on a regimen of Metronidazole, Amoxicillin, and
Pepcid. He took these medications for two weeks, and his diarrhea
seemed to be under control.
One week after finishing his medication, the diarrhea returned. I
took him back in and had the blood work repeated. It was completely
normal this time, including the lymphocytes. I brought him home on
another two weeks of the same medications.
Well, the same exact thing has happened again. He was fine while on
the medication, but a few days after finishing it he has diarrhea
again.
I understand ulcers can be stubborn, but if anyone could offer any
information I would greatly appreciate it. I love this ferret
tremendously, but I'm honestly about to start tearing my hair out. I
haven't had a break since my other ferret got sick, I've spent
$4200.00 at the vet's in the last four months, and I just REALLY want
him to get well.
--Jennifer
p.s. - Sorry if that last part was over the top. I'm not upset about
the cost of treatment, I'm just frustrated & feeling sorry for me and
my ferret!