From:
sbaer@comcast.net
Date: 2004-10-28 12:18:18 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Need to find a vet to do a colonoscopy
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <1175835.1098965898788.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Hi Patty,
It was first thought that she had colitis (she has very VERY frequent bloody and or mucousy stools) she but is not responding to any of the treatments. All of the research done shows we followed the standards for treating colitis as well as the alternatives for when they don't respond to the meds so we're continuing to explore other options. It was suspected there might be a small mass possibly in her colon (or a polyp) if it wasn't the colitis but we wanted to try the colitis treatments since that is not invasive.
It's our fear that if surgery is done through her abdomen that the mass will be too small to see and then surgery will be much more invasive to find the mass, plus the risks of opening her colon from the abdomen are obviously a concern. We discussed barium tests but don't think they will pick up the problem. The suspicion of a mass is purely opinion based on symptoms, there is no evidence with palpating that there is anything in her abdomen, and she is not showing any other signs indicating a blockage BUT we aren't ruling it out.
We have done blood work and she is not anemic. She is having another CBC done tomorrow to keep an eye on her. She was showing minimal dehydration but is on daily fluids as a precaution. She's eating I/D and gaining weight (85 grams in two weeks) but never really lost any prior as we caught this early.
My vet has been posting on the mailing lists that she is on as well as talking to other vets and at this point we feel this is our best (but not only) option. We have to go in soon so we have to make a decision in the next day or so.
She is 8 years old and in incredible health other than the stool issues and she's on lupron for adrenal (bi-lateral was done a few years ago with a relapse about 8 months ago), and even so she's doing great. Bright eyed, great weight & muscle tone, plays, etc...
If anyone has any suggestions, they are welcome! And thank you Patty for asking your question nicely :) Her health and safety are our main concerns so we are exploring every option possible.
Sharon
Author wrote:
> This is such an unusual procedure for a ferret. For what reason do you need the
> test? Perhaps there are other tests or ways to make the diagnosis- just in case you
> can't find a vet with a scope that small.
> Patty
> -- sbaer@comcast.net wrote:
> I live in Montgomery County, PA and I'm working with my vet to find vet in our area
> that has the proper equipment to do a colonoscopy on my ferret.