From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2004-02-18 22:24:16 UTC
Subject: Sherman: too fat from steroids for IBD but R adrenal kicking up
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4767134.1077143056773.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Sherman is not losing weight well. It is very frustrating. One thing we plan is to try is to have further tests done on his high protein levels. He may have a long-term viral infection of some sort and if so those would lead us toward knowing that is a possibility. We're also going to try dietary challenges with novel protein sources, and we certainly will watch his low grade anemia given that his right adrenal is kicking up. If push comes to shove he'll have to have surgery with too much fat on him but that raises the risk level. (His fat happened in response to steroids for his IBD which almost nothing touches.) Optimally we'll be able to reduce his fat levels and get that adrenal out but you know how hard it is to get a gumpy, dieting, mildly anemic, obese ferret to exercise? His body's response to dieting is to sleep... We ARE trying, though, nad he is NOT happy about it.
If others have tricks to share they are welcome. Right now he spend the night separate with little food, during the days we have the cage closed mostly and food on levels AWAY from beds so there are set periods during which they can go in to eat, but otherwise can't.