Message Number: SG8181 | New FHL Archives Search
From: ferrets@sacoriver.net
Date: 2004-03-07 20:58:08 UTC
Subject: Trouble swallowing
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4075314.1078693088548.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>

I have a 7 year old (+/-) male MF ferret that seems to be having trouble swallowing his food. He was eating kibble, but lately has been eating Science Diet AD wet food, but still has trouble after he eats.

He has loud intestinal sounds, all of the time, and after eating he seems to have trouble getting the food down his throat.
His throat puffs up, and convulses for a few seconds, and then returns to normal. (seems like he is in pain during spells)He will do this for about 6-7 times, and then he seems to be ok.
His stool varies from almost normal, to almost the consistency of a melted "Tootsie Roll". I have not been able to get a "fresh" sample to test, and every time he goes to the vet, he gets bashful, and won't go.

He is being treated with;

Biaxin 0.5 ml 3 x/day (250 mg crushed into 5 ml of ferretone)
Carafate every 12 hours and 1/2 hr before meals.
Pepcid AC 1/8 of 10mg tab 1x/day

Linus is my baby and friend, and I will do whatever I can for him.