From:
"Sue Liszewski"
Date: 2004-02-06 07:13:14 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Sudden weak ferret- "water works" infection or neurological?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <LAW12-F6EgRYxnx5uGl00060925@hotmail.com>
Can't remember if I responded, so here goes. Not a bad idea to treat for
infection. I would also look at the environment for a toxin or gas they
that might contribute. If you are not sure if it is infection vs promary
nervous system I would also use pred or dexamethasone. This is a good way
to start. I am not sure of the statistics in ferrets but I believe they are
susceptible to Toxoplasmosis which also affects the nervouse system and can
be treated. Perhaps one of the other vets might know for sure. I would need
to look into it. Good Luck.
Dr. Sue
>From: "Ulrike" <ferretlove_@onetel.net.uk>
>Reply-To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
>Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Sudden weak ferret- "water works" infection or
>neurological?
>Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 13:35:26 +0000 (GMT Standard Time)
>
>Dear Dr Sue
>
>Thank you for your reply. Gremlin has been ill for 6 days now, no
>improvement on the baytril. Will ask the vet for something like
>chloramphenicol that crosses the blood brain barrier like you said a week
>or
>so ago to somebody else. Really think Gremlin's problem is neurological.
>She has ataxia and paresis. I don't know whether she is just very weak or
>is unable to co-ordinate her legs or unable to use her muscles. She can
>sort of crawl along a little so she does get out of bed to go potty on
>paper
>next to her bed. But after a few inches of crawling, she falls on her side
>again.
>
>Last night I noticed Reno (who is in a different group), is "off his legs"
>as well. He's very unstable on his feet and only manages to walk 2-3 ft
>before falling on his side. Sort of the same symptoms as Gremlin but not
>as
>severe.
>
>Both have good appetite and have control of their bladder and bowel.
>
>Is it a good idea to treat them for some bacterial infection of the CNS?
>Any other treatment I could try? And if no improvement, what then? Test
>for ADV?
>
>Ulrike
>
>West Wales Ferret Welfare
>E-mail: ulrike@ferretlove.co.uk
>http://www.ferretlove.co.uk
>Last update 06/12/03
>
>-------Original Message-------
>
>
>It could be neurologic or she could have thrown a blood clot that affected
>her so severe and so quick. What causes the fever is a good question
>unless
>they had menigitis or the like. Don't get high fevers with UTI's. It is
>very hard to tell what is going on when we are not there to evaluate her.
>Drooling with low blood sugar (based on levels prob not low enough for
>this), stroke or emboli that caused some paralysis in the face, and I think
>you are right and if there is pan they might also do some salivating too.
>I
>don't know if I have been much help but I hope some small thoughts or ideas
>come from this .
>Dr. Sue
>
>
>
>
>
>--
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