From:
<caitlyn@mizuhoradio.com>
Date: 2003-11-05 17:18:15 UTC
Subject: Kodo update (9 y/o with insulinoma, enlarged spleen)
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <40985.155.226.255.42.1068052695.squirrel@www.mizuhoradio.com>
Hi, everyone,
To remind you, Kodo is our nine year old "big bear" of a ferret (nearly 4
lb. neutered male) who was suffering from severe mobility problems due to a
grossly enlarged spleen and possibly his insulinoma. Since surgery was not
an option for him we tried putting him on antibiotics since we had nothing
to lose. Our vet prescribed .3ml Clavamox 2x day.
After one week his spleen was almost normal size and his mobility problems
had completely disappeared. Our vet's exam after two weeks revealed the
spleen was, in fact, back to normal. At three weeks we discontinued the
antibiotics. He continues to get .25ml pediapred (1mg/ml) to control his
insulinoma. Last blood glucose was 73.
Kodo continues to be active and continues to show no symptoms whatsoever.
His activity level is comparable to before the onset of insulinoma 18 months
ago. He no longer has any problem using the litter pan, running around,
etc...
Our vet plans to wait and see how long it takes for his spleen to enlarge
again. He prefers not to leave Kodo on antibiotics continuously. He
expects the spleen will enlarge again, but he has no idea how long that will
take to happen and hopes that we can get several months before having to
treat him with Clavamox again. Kodo is still not considered a good surgical
candidate.
I guess my point is that this approach worked very well, and for a geriatric
ferret with a spleen so enlarged as to cause problems it is worth trying.
I will post again when and if treatment is again necessary.
Thanks to everyone who sent along info which I passed on to the vet. Kodo,
who is very happy again, certainly thanks you.
All the best,
Caity and the exuberant eight