From:
"Sue Liszewski"
Date: 2003-12-16 04:30:17 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Head Tilting/Loss Of Balance
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <LAW12-F78wyfwjHNuQu00042ad7@hotmail.com>
I would not rule out ear problem on swab alone since it could be a deep
inner ear infection. She is probably dizzy and her orientation is off which
affects he appetite. I would use the antibiotic (which is what he
prescribed but also use prenisolone or dexamethasone. This can help with
her inflammation and improve her appetite. The low albumin may be due to
the diet. I would continue trying all types of food, especially higher in
protein and lower in carbs. One of my client found a cat food that is high
in protein low in carbs in a cat food version. You might also see if you
can find a liquid protein diet or shake that you use a s supplement. There
is definitely something going on. Especially with the weight loss etc. It
could be a tumor but using a form of cortisone as mentioned above is what we
use for nervous system things. I had a cat that lived 6 month post signs of
neurologic deficits that did have a brain tumor so don't give up on it and
the meds could only help. Another antibiotic choice that penetrates the
nervous system is Chloramphenicol. Hope you find a way to make her feel
better and put some weight on.
Dr. Sue
>From: mustelid90@hotmail.com
>Reply-To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>Subject: [ferrethealth] Head Tilting/Loss Of Balance
>Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2003 19:32:04 +0000 (GMT)
>
>Greetings all,
> I have a 5 1/2 yr old female with bilateral cataracts. She is a
>loner, and doesn't associate with the other ferrets. Yesterday afternoon,
>(12/14) she came out of her crinkle sack and her head was tilted to the
>right. She is literally walking in circles and loses her balance thereby
>flopping around until she regains her balance. She has not been eating nor
>elimating very much over the past twenty-four hours. I took her to the vet
>this morning. An ear swab was done as I suspected an inner ear infection.
>Results were nornmal. A complete blood work up was done.
>
>Results are as follows:
>
>Alb: 1.6 Low
>Alp: 32
>Alt: 173
>Amy: <5
>Tbil: 0.3
>Bun: 21
>Ca++: 7.4
>Phos: 3.6
>Cre: 0.7
>Glu: 88
>Na+: 135
>K+: 4.9
>Tp: 6.0
>Glob: 4.4
>WBC: 23K
>PVC: 35.2
>PLT: 772
>
> She was palpated and no enlarged organs were found. I have several
>issues here I need some guidance on. The vet supects a possible brain tumor
>even though I have read through the archives brain tumors are VERY rare in
>ferrets.
> Second is the albumin value.... very low. For her diet, Sassy has
>ingested nothing but soup for almost three years as she took a liking to it
>when she was ill. Hard as I tried, she would not convert back to kibble.
>Her soup consists of 2nd stage Gerber turkey, AD and pet tinic. I've tried
>to add ground kibble to it for higher protein. She knows when the recipe is
>changed and refuses to eat when it is. One year ago she weighed 1 lb 12
>ounces. Now, she is down to 12 ounces. I've decided to add a cooked egg to
>her soup. Any other suggestions to increase the protein in her diet?
> The vet prescribed the antibiotic Sulfatrim pediatric suspension, .3
>x 2 per day. He states this is a broad spectrum drug that could possibly
>reduce any inflammation in the brain. Does ANYONE have any idea as to what
>is going on with this little girl. She appears disoriented most of the time
>and just wants to sleep. Any suggestions on how to increase her protien
>intake. A CT scan is not an option due to the usual financial contraints of
>having a multiple ferret household with other ill ferrets requiring medical
>attention. Any and all suggestions/observations would be appreciated.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>--
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>visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
>
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