From:
kab2229@aol.com
Date: 2003-05-24 01:22:57 UTC
Subject: adrenal disease/insulinoma/bladder stones
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <3720526.1053739377771.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Hello. I am new to the list and would appreciate any comments regarding my ferret's condition.
My 8 yr old male neutered ferret Tic has adrenal disease (tumor evident on x-ray in left adrenal gland), insulinoma, and as of today newly diagnosed bladder stones.
He started on monthly lupron shots to control the adrenal disease several months ago. The insulinoma was diagnosed last month and my vet and I are trying to regulate Tic's blood sugar with prednisone, but so far are still getting low readings, so are upping the dosage weekly hoping to get an improvement/strike a balance.
Today I came home and found Tic bleeding from the penis and crying in the litter box. X-ray revealed some density in the bladder and a small, but visible stone in the urethra. Tic is not a good surgical candidate due to his age and overall condition. The vet thinks the stone has a good chance of passing since it is very small. Tic's urine ph was extremely base so we have switched him from Totally Ferret Sr back to Totally Ferret regular since it has a higher protein content.
I am wondering if anyone has any experience balancing these three problems at once. Does anyone recommend trying to add some protein to his diet..duck soup or something like that...or will it make the insulinoma too difficult to regulate? The vet put Tic on clavamox for the bladder stone as it appears there is an infection from the irritation, but he is in a lot of pain and can't sleep due to the constant irritation and urge to urinate. Has anyone had a ferret with stones and used any pain meds? Any advice on how to cope with all three of these problems simultaneously would be appreciated.