From:
iamjancook99
Date: 2002-01-02 00:13:00 UTC
Subject: Zachary is losing his balance all of a sudden
Hi, I'm new to the group and would appreciate advice about a sudden
change in my ferret, Zachary, age approximately 18-20 months. He is
a very boisterous, active ferret, who lives with three other female
ferrets of mixed ages.
All of my ferrets spent Christmas day in their cage together while I
was away overnight. On my return home, I noticed that Zach seemed
rather wobbly on his feet and was swaying when he stands still. I
took him to the vet the next day, but an initial exam ruled out any
obvious cause. He has been put on medication on the assumption that
he may have an ear infection, though he has no obvious discomfort or
discharge. He veers or staggers always to the left as he walks and
sometimes his left hind leg seems to give out and he pitches over on
his side. However, he already seems to be compensating for this and
it is not stopping him from attempting anything, like climbing to
the top of his cage! I am keeping him caged when I am away so that
he cannot fall and hurt himself, but he is not in any apparent
distress and in fact is in great spirits and is eating, drinking and
pooping normally. However the medication, (quarter tablet daily of
Baytril 50mg), so far is not relieving his symptoms - early days
possibly. But I would like to know if this is more likely to be a
brain related, neurological disorder, or a symptom of something
else. The other thing I have noticed is that occasionally, he gets a
bit aggressive and wants to bite any exposed flesh and is very
persistent. At the same time he is gradually becoming more of
a "kissy' boy when he first wakes up.
Any suggestions would be very helpful, especially as to likely cause
and possible prognosis.Many thanks from a worried ferret-mum.
Jan C