From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2003-08-02 03:24:41 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] END STAGE OF CARDIOMYOPATHY :(
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <698993.1059794681054.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
One thing to add hee - ferrets in heart failure tolerate stress very poorly - even a ris in the ambient temperature of your house/apartment can be enough to decompensate. I agree with Sandra in that you are currently doing about all you can - make the most of the good time that he has left, and when he seems as if he is not enjoying it any more, step in and make the right decision.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
Author wrote:
> From a cardiac standpoint it sounds like everything is being done that can.
> With a human paricardial centesis (removing fluid from around the heart) can be
> done, but the area is alot larger than that in a ferret. It's impossible to
> tell how much time he has left, that depends on how quickly the heart enlarges
> and the muscle weakens to the point it can't pump enough blood to relieve the
> pressure and volume of blood in the lungs. He will become increasingly tired
> and short of breath. He may also have fluid build up in his legs and body,
> making him look puffy. Just love him and enjoy him for the time you have left
> together. He could just as easily have a long time left as not.
> Sandra
> Quoting brandi.bassingerjakob@us.army.mil:
> > I WAS WONDERING,DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ME AT THIS TIME AND
> > APPROXIMATELY HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE LEFT WITH MY LITTLE ONE? IN OTHER WORDS,
> > I WOULD APPRECIATE AND EXPERIENCES ONE WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THAT HAS BEEN IN
> > THIS SITUATION BEFORE. I HAVE DEALT NUMEROUS TIMES WITH INSULINOMA AND ONCE
> > WITH DIABETES, BUT THIS IS MY FIRST HEART PATIENT.