From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2003-01-12 02:36:47 UTC
Subject: RE: Sick ferret...any help or advice?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <10235835.1042339007916.JavaMail.root@scandium>
I Did read about ECE and inflammatory bowel syndrome (what are the indicators of this through blood work?). I have not had blood work done yet which I plan tomorrow. After reading a previous message about a vet killing a ferret after taking blood, I would like to know the correct way to do it...THANKS. (Sorry to hear that Kraus)
There really are no characteristic blood changes with either ECE or IBD. YOu may see hypoalbuminemia or elevated lymhocytes on bloodwork, but there are not specific for this disease and can be seen in a wide range of gastrointestinal disease. With IBD, you can either do an intestinal biopsy - before he loses any more weight, and which will probably give you the definitive answer (perhaps it is something else altogehter) - or a trial dose of prednisone - the therapy of choice for IBD and which should show some positive benefits. Also, a bland diet without kibble is always the way to go when dealing with chronic diarrhea.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM