Message Number: SG7321 | New FHL Archives Search
From: FHbytheSea@aol.com
Date: 2004-01-07 19:25:47 UTC
Subject: strange case
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <152.28eeb860.2d2db73b@aol.com>

I have a very strange case involving an 8 week old kit, released to the
shelter by its former owners.

Ferret was having seizures the night before releasing him to me. Ferret upon
initial exam was given a very poor prognosis - 340g weight, completely
lethargic, dehydrated, emaciated, non responsive and has noticeable head tremors.
WBC was 24,000; Proteins low, RC low, albumen high.Vet can palpate an abnormal
kidney. Xrays were not helpful as the ferret has no body fat to give a good
contrast, but we could see that that spinal cord was normal. Temp was low normal.

Supportive care was given and 36 hours later there has been noticeable
improvement. WBC is now down to 10,000. Proteins are approaching normal levels.
Stools are normal - ferret eats on his own. But the tremors continue - involve the
head/neck. The ferret can't walk - he rolls from one side of the incubator to
the other. We can't find any evidence of head trauma. Does not show any signs
of rabies or CDV.We are testing for ADV.

Any ideas? Options for treatment? Things we might look for?

Lisa Leidig, Head Ferret
Shelter Wench in good standing
The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea"
www.ferrethaven.org