From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2003-02-16 17:40:55 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Pancreatitis
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <20030216124055.068b5481.whiteweasel@earthlink.net>
On Sat, 15 Feb 2003 04:22:35 +0000 (GMT+00:00)
jtapp9@comcast.net wrote:
> What would be the symptoms and possible treatments of pancreatitis in
> a 9 month old male MF ferret?
>
The main symptom of pancreatitis in ferrets is continuing weight loss
despite a ravenous appetite. Unlike many other disorders involving the
inability to absorb nutrients properly it does not necessarily cause
diarrhea.
The sad thing is there is no definitive test for pancreatitis in
ferrets. There is a blood test (a TLI?) that is used on other animals,
but nobody has the range of normal values for ferrets, so it is
impossible to interpret the results. At least that's what our vet told
us. Basically, our vet did trial and error on Pertwee. When he treated
for pancreatitis Pertwee (who was dangerously thin) started gaining
weight again. He's gotten back to a normal body weight and has been
healthy since, so it seems pancreatitis was the right answer.
We treat Pertwee by mixing a quarter teaspoon of Viokase-V (pancreatic
enzyme) into warmed Bob Church's Chicken Gravy and we let it sit for ten
minutes so that the Viokase can begin to predigest the food for Pertwee.
Then we slightly rewarm it so it's how Pertwee likes it and let him
chow down. We do this 2-3 times a day. He can have kibble in between
and normal treats, but it isn't clear how much nutrition he can get from
unmedicated food.
The usual disclaimer applies: I am not a vet, just a ferret owner with
a medically challenged weasel with chronic pancreatitis.
All the best,
Caity and the non-stop nine
End of ferrethealth Digest
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