From:
<caitlyn@mizuhoradio.com>
Date: 2004-01-12 17:25:05 UTC
Subject: Ker Avon update: creeping paralysis
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <29556.155.226.255.42.1073928305.squirrel@www.mizuhoradio.com>
Hi, everyone,
Since yesterday morning at 4 AM some things have gotten better, others much
worse for Avon. He urinated on his own twice yesterday afternoon/evening,
which is a relief. He also is continent, dragging and pulling himself into
the litter pan where he soils himself miserably. We clean him up. That's
the good news.
The bad news is that the paralysis is worsening. He now hsa no use
whatsoever of his rear legs and no ability to move his hips. I talked to
both vets yesterday and they are now working together on his case. At this
moment an untrasound is scheduled for Wednesday but we may move that up.
The vet in the city 180 miles away also told me about some fairly new
neurological testing for ferrets that's still being tested. We may consider
that for Avin as well.
Keith touched Avon's lower back above his rear and he let out a cry
yesterday. I am beginning to wonder if there is an injury that we can't see
on X-rays. We awoke at 5:30 this morning to him screaming. He was still
with other ferrets at that time and we found him hiding behind a litter pan
crying. We comforted him (and was he ever clingy) and we are now keeping
him separate except when we can closely supervise.
This is heartbreaking for Keith and I. The trio of the "White Boys"
(Pertwee, Avon, and Adric) were our wild and crazy wired weasels. Pertwee
is gone and now Avon is in poor shape and doesn't play. Adric,
understandably, is out of sorts.
Any clues that I can share with the vets involved would be most welcome.
All the best,
Caity, Keith, the seven worried weasels, Blaze (our post-op visitor who's
doing brilliantly) and little Ker Avon