From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2003-02-24 02:38:03 UTC
Subject: RE: hepatitis
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <20587206.1046054283843.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Dear Beth:
Hepatitis is not a single disease entity, but the term we use for inflammation of the liver. Liver inflammation in ferrets can occur for a number of reasons - bacterial, parasitic, drug-induced, even certain types of tumors can mimic a hepatitis. While the elevated bilirubin would tend to support some form of liver impairment (not necessarily infalmamtion) without knowing more of the story, it is difficult to point to any one cause. However, that is why you took the biopsy. The results of the report will likely dictate the type of treatment that Spike will be on.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
Author wrote:
> I sent in a post recently about my ferret,
> Spike. He will be one in March, a neutered,
> descented MF. His spleen and liver were grossly
> swollen in the beginning of February. Dr. B
> prescribed Flagyl, which he was on for 3 days.
> A 2nd vet, Dr. D took blood, which came back
> normal except for elevated bilurubins. He
> prescribed .25cc amoxi 2x day and .5 cc carafate
> 2x day. There was noticable reduction in the
> swelling of his abdomen. On 2-21 we were back
> to see Dr. D for an ultrasound. The liver is
> still enlarged, and the ultrasound shows no
> blockage of bile ducts. A sample of liver
> tissue was taken with a needle. Dr. D is
> suggesting hepatitis. We are waiting for the
> pathology to come back, which should be Monday.
> We are continuing the amoxi until Tuesday. I am
> curious about what is used to treat hepatits.
> Thanks for any response.
> Beth and the Gang
> Maybe,Alciabides,CT,Lucifer,Jett,
> Spike and Zazi the Beast
> ...and The Dude, who crossed over the
> Rainbow on 12/31/01
> "Not to hurt our humble brethren is our
> first duty to them, but to stop
> there is not enough. We have a higher
> mission - to be of service to
> them wherever they require it." -- St.
> Francis of Assisi
> Find out who's green and who's not! Use Care2's Green Thumbs-up!
> http://www.care2.com/go/z/4029