From:
<caitlyn@mizuhoradio.com>
Date: 2004-01-08 17:33:30 UTC
Subject: Kodo update (9 y/o w/enlarged spleen, insulinoma)
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <34396.155.226.255.42.1073583210.squirrel@www.mizuhoradio.com>
Hi, everyone,
After a couple of weeks, as expected, Kodo's spleen was really large again
and he was having mobility problems. His blood glucose also was down to 45
so I don't know how much of the hind end problems was insulinoma and how
much was his huge spleen. We started a third course of antibiotics on
Monday, but since the Clavamox wasn't quite as effective the second time
around we are trying a two week course of Baytril instead.
We also have increased his prednisone to .3ml 2x a day (1mg/ml
concentration). This is approaching the maximum amount he could get benefit
from before surgery. I suspect if going higher with the pred doesn't keep
his blood glucose up we'll try adding proglycem/diazoxide.
Regarding the long term side effects of Baytril, Kodo is losing his eyesight
due to cataracts already, and his advanced age and physical condition make
it really unlikely that we have a long term. Don't get me wrong -- I am not
about to give up on my sweet, affectionate big bear of a ferret. I just
know that he's already lived longer than our vet thought he would. I still
want to see if I can keep him happy and alive until he's 10 :)
I'll post again once we know how the Baytril works out.
All the best,
Caity and the amazing eight