From:
deevecchione@neo.rr.com
Date: 2003-06-24 12:53:50 UTC
Subject: Geriatric ferret suddenly can't use right hind leg
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <7078976.1056459230386.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Hi,
It's been awhile since I've posted. Other than cardio and adrenal, Fozzie has been doing very well. He turned 7 in March, is on .03 ml of subQ Lasix twice daily, 1/4 tab of enalapril every 2.5 days plus Lupron 4 mos depot.
This morning he is not using his right hind leg. I did give him his Lasix injection on that side last night, but on his side, not in his thigh. I don't think that's the cause.
I noticed yesterday, when I would pull him out of bed to feed him, his feet had to be positioned under him, because his legs weren't reaching for the ground. His feet were just dangling. Other than that, everything was fine. He played normally, ate normally, etc.
His hind legs have been weak for quite a while now. Could this just be progression of the hind leg weakness caused by cardio and Lasix?
I really don't think there was any trauma involved here. He is free roam in a guest bedroom. He was fine last night at 11:30 PM, and I slept in there last night (hubbie snores) and I didn't here any noise from him at all. This morning at 7 AM, he wanted his usual shower drink, so I carried him in there. When he was done, I picked him up and placed him on the carpet while I went to warm his soup, and his right hind leg was dragging. He was kind of walking on the elbow of it.
Should I give it a day to see if it improves, then take him to the vet? I could give him some pred but that's contraindicated with cardio. I plan on consulting with my PA vet later this morning, but would appreciate any feedback you guys can offer.
I wasn't really expecting this...and of course now I'm thinking the worst.
Thanks,
Dodie, now in Ohio