From:
sharonl1@frontiernet.net
Date: 2004-09-29 15:54:17 UTC
Subject: Can't find reason for urinary blockage
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <7226213.1096473257796.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Our 3.5 year old Nanook experienced a total urinary blockage this morning. We have been monitoring him lately due to frequent small pees, a bladder infection, and possible start of agressive behavior. Long story short, I ended up at a new vet, where they are very ferret knowledgable. They aspirated(?) the urine from the bladder, and it was bloody, with crystals and sludge. We decided the best course was to operate for adrenal disease.
When they opened him up, they found normal looking adrenals as well as a normal looking prostrate. When they tried to put a cath in, both from external and internal, they encountered a block. And it was in the bony area which surrounds the area. Not wanting to keep him under under due to his weakened condition, they closed him up.
Right now they don't know if the crystals formed a block, or if the prostrate is enlarged where they can't see it, or something else is causing the blockage. They are hoping that if it is crystals, enough crystals were removed, and that his body would work to get rid of the rest. If he doesn't start urinating on his own today, they are going to inject a dye, to see if it will show where the blockage is on x-rays..
Sorry for the long post.. but has anyone else come across this? The vets that are taking care of him know ferrets, and access this list. I am trying to do as much research as I can.. Thank you.