From:
buddyboyblue@msn.com
Date: 2003-11-19 06:52:56 UTC
Subject: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4461660.1069224776356.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
In August, my rescued male ferret (approx 2 years old) received his 2 distemper vaccines. Approximately 2 weeks after the last injection, he rapidly became ill. My ferret vet said his physical exam was normal, with the exeption of the usual signs and sypmtoms of anemia & a PCV of 10. He was successfully treated over the next 3 weeks with supportive therapy and prednisolone, and dexamethasone. At 3 weeks, we tried to wean him of the pred, but he began to deteriorate. So, we boosted him back on to the .2cc pred twice a day for five days, working our way back to .2cc every other day for a month. When we weaned him off the pred for the 2nd time, he rapidly deteriorated again. Now, he is critically ill, with a PCV of 10. We have started supportive therapy again, given a dexamethasone injection, and oral pred .2cc twice a day. Does anyone have any idea what is happening to my ferret? Could it be a response to the Purevax?
If so, is there a treatment protocol for such a reaction? What is the expected outcome should this be a reaction to the vaccine, or some other unknown disease process. If I am to humanely advocate for this animal, I need to make informed choices.
Thanks for your help,
Debbie