From:
<caitlyn@mizuhoradio.com>
Date: 2003-10-14 15:17:46 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Liver Problem? Advice Please.
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <31378.155.226.255.42.1066144666.squirrel@www.mizuhoradio.com>
Hi,
I'm not a vet but I've seen something like this before with the exception of
hind end weakness. Pertwee was losing weight for no apparant reason and
eventually started becoming weak. There was no apparant cause. Our vet did
list chronic malabsorption syndrome (also called sprue) as a possibility,
but one which would be fatal. Thankfully, that wasn't it.
What Pertwee was suffering from turned out to be chronic pancreatitis. We
now feed him Bob Church's Chicken Gravy mixed with a quarter teaspoon of
Viokase-V, which is pancreatic enzyme, which must sit for 10 minutes before
being eaten. It effectively begins digesting the food and makes it possible
for Pertwee to absorb nutrients from it.
Our vet tried to find a lab that could test for pancreatitis, but he found
nobody had normal blood values for a ferret. We started the Viokase-V on
the basis that if it wasn't pancreatitis it wouldn't hurt him any and if it
was it would certainly help. Needless to say it helped and Pertwee regained
his strength and gradually got back to a normal body weight. He's been on
the Viokase-V for two years now.
I'm not saying this is what your ferret has. I'm no vet and I honestly
don't know. I am saying it may be something worth discussing with your vet.
Also, our vet does consult with other vets. Write me off list if your vet
would want to talk to him about this.
Regards,
Caity and the non-stop nine