From:
dsauter@rexairinc.com
Date: 2003-03-31 21:38:34 UTC
Subject: To med or not to med
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <26834774.1049146714431.JavaMail.root@scandium>
okay straight to the point
My 8 1/2 year old adrenal ferret with history of inconsistant stool which worsened with adrenal diagnosis 1 year ago - scrawny - but always playful, active had a bad bout of diarrhea 2 weeks ago.
VET X agrees she is not a good candidate for intestinal biopsy and suspects IBD from history. Prescibes antibiotics for possible secondary bowel infection. I put her on a 100% bland diet, cut out all treats and kibble. She has gained considerable weight on new diet and stool is firm.
Should I ask the vet to treat for suspected IBD even though we have no confirmation but history and other virus/diseases ruled out? (I know IBD untreated can cause an array of future problems)
Or should I wait and watch to see if she has another diarrhea episode? and treat as they come?
Vet X told me if the diarrhea came back she wanted to treat for IBD. But if she doesn't have a bad bout of diarrhea and this is IBD, I am scared I am hurting her by not treating for it.
One vet told me her inconsistant stool was just another symptom seen with adrenal disease. I want to be proactive and treat her but without a biopsy to confirm, am I being risky.
Thank you for your thoughts on treatment for my special girl.
Di