From:
"Mary Alvarez-Cabrera"
Date: 2004-02-20 20:57:24 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Annika -- I think it is her heart-- help
To: Ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Cc: Jennandannika@yahoo.co
please
Message-Id: <17171576.1077312372960.JavaMail.nobody@chromium.smartgroups.com>
Hi Jenn:
I'm not a Vet but my little boy Chewy (who has past on) had Cardiomyopathy,
amongst several other diseases. Regular check-ups never to disclosed his
condition until the day he started to gasp & cough in this wheezy/rumbling
kind of way. Fluid in the lungs is a symptom of Cardiomyopathy (which may
be what your little girl is experiencing). When they cough, it sounds
similar to someone with a really bad, phlegmy cold or Bronchitus, it's a
rumbling sound. The funny thing is that sometimes it happens but sometimes
it doesn't.
In order to check for Cardiomyopathy, an Ultrasound has to be done to check
her Heart and Lungs. An X-Ray can be done as well but an Ultrasound is the
best way to tell the Vet what type of Medicine would be best (it has
something to do with Heart Valve sizes). Definitely get you fuzzy to the
Vet and if you can't afford the Ultrasound at the moment, go for the
X-Ray. At least it will let you know what's going on and you can get her
started on treatment while you save up. They usually treat them with a
diuretic like Lasix to get the fluid out of the lungs (but it's just a
temporary fix until you can get the ultrasound for the appropriate medicine).
Here a link for Vets in every state A-Z. You might want to shop around for
the best deal getting the Ultrasound. The list is in alphabetical order so
just scroll down once you click on to it:
http://www.ferretcentral.org/for-others/db-vets.html
P.S. I pray that this is not the case for your Annika but if it is, she can
be treated. I wish your fuzzy baby the best of Luck!
Take care and be well,
Mary