From:
jerri carel
Date: 2002-01-05 10:22:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Re: Loss of 3 ferets - bleeding
from Rectum
Thank you so very much for your time and expertise Dr. Williams.
You've taught me many things:
If I'm asking for a scientific evaluation, I need to provide you
with more specifics as opposed to generalities such as "lab work
showed no problems".
Especially important - Blood from rectum is a sign of shock &;
often jsut predeeds death - as in, we definately want to rectify
things before this point!
Tissue samples are vital in really helping to pinpoint cause
I get the feeling from the prescribed meds, that possibly the vet
involved was throwing things at the wall &; seeing what
sticks.......this is a little disturbing as this is a very well
known exotics clinic in the Midwest. Also, after so many with
similar symptoms, they never suggested an intestine
biopsy.......so on the currently ill ferret, it sounds like we
should insist that this be done and that what we're looking to
confirm or rule out is the cause of or existence of chronic GI
disease? Should we be trusting that they know what they're
looking for?
I think I almost feel terrible now, like as ferert owners, we should
have required more ferret-related knowledge of ourselves. This is
how I became so involved in ferrets &; shelters to start with - with
the sudden loss of my son's 1st ferret to lymphosarcoma, I felt if
we were going to have this special animal in our house, I had an
obligation to learn more about their needs. After a five years and
helping to care for over 450 shelter ferrets &; 40 of my own, it
does not seem that I've come anywhere near reaching my initial goal,
much to the dis-service of the animals I've cared for.
I take them to the vet for check-ups, and when they're ill.
Sometimes I have to balance finances with whether or not someone
gets an adrenal surgery. I give my own sub-q fluids and will give
supportive care every few hours, around the clock if needed, then go
to work. I know how critical hydration is, know the signs of ECE,
glucose problems, ear mites, can pick off &; treat for fleas &;
ticks with my eyes closed.......I thought I was providing a much
needed, valuable service to my little furry friends, all of whom
have been shelter ferrets, and almost all of which came to me as
"unadoptables", with either medical, behavioral or old age
problems.....but it really sounds like I need to learn much more.
Where do I start?
I'll figure that out - but again, I think you so very much for your
time &; value you greatly!
Jerri Carel, Louisville, KY (formerly the Chicago area, where
ferrets are much more prevelent)
dr_bruce_williams wrote:
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "ferretmomjc"
wrote:
Dear Jerri:
There is a lot of information here - I'll try to post my comments
after each individual ferret. However, also realize that most on
this list (of which you are now a member) realize that real blood
values are of greater help for trying to unravel such mysteries,
than
just the mention that these tests were done.
I think one thing bears mentioning right off - bleeding from the
rectum is generally a relatively non-specific sign of shock - and
is
often seen in animals on the brink of passing. The question here
is
what caused the shock. The fact that all of the animals exhibited
shock prior to death does not really constitute a pattern.