From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2003-02-19 15:04:32 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] RE: Flower sick
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <20030219100432.5fe431b4.whiteweasel@earthlink.net>
On Tue, 18 Feb 2003 23:16:43 +0000 (GMT+00:00)
sukiec@optonline.com wrote:
> I'd also ask the vet about having a thoracic and abdominal ultrasound
> done.
The last resort is exploratory surgery. When Pertwee began losing
weight like that when he was a year old he was treated for heliobacter.
That took care of things briefly, but then he started losing weight like
crazy again. He went from over 1,300 grams down to 729 grams which
should give you an idea of how serious things were. The problems:
bilateral adrenal disease and unilateral polycystic disease in his right
kidney. The only thing ultrasound showed was one large renal cyst, but
it was merely the largest of many.
Any form of carcinoma can be accompanied by weight loss. Ferrets also
stop eating when they are in pain. Pertwee was dealing with both
situations. I should also point out that Pertwee's situation was
extremely rare, but I am using it to show that sometimes weight loss can
occur for the most unexpected reasons.
Please bear in mind that an exploratory is a *last* resort, but it is
one that should be considered if all else fails.
The good news: Pertwee will be five in July, and he's happy and
healthy.
I am not a vet, but I've been where you are and I know how scary
Flower's situation must be for you.
All the best,
Caity