From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2004-04-11 02:45:19 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Ferret Weight Loss
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <20040411024519.18607.qmail@web21402.mail.yahoo.com>
Hi,
Has your ferret ruled out cachexia? Cachexia
(clinical wasting syndrome) is often associated with
different carcinomas (cancer). It's why we often see
weight loss when ferrets have lymphosarcoma, adrenal
carcenomas, etc...
What about insulinoma? What's his blood glucose? One
symptom of insulinoma can be nausea, which leads to
loss of appetite, which leads to weight loss.
I second those who have advocated aggressive testing
starting with blood work (i.e.: a CBC, glucose to
start). An ultrasound and/or radiograph may also be
in order. The idea is that the weight loss is a
symptom of something else. If so, that something else
may be treated medically. Even if you can't stop the
progress of the disease you may be able to relieve
symptoms and keep weight on.
Another thing to consider with any older, compromised
ferret is to improve the quality of the diet. Bob
Church's Chicken Gravy is a super food for ferrets
that has helped keep weight on my older, sick ferrets.
Unless you suspect insulinoma do the recipe exactly
as called for, including the honey and Nutrical. Pam
Sessoms' pressure cooker method makes it fairly easy
to make. See: http://www.trifl.org/grvay.html
You can also offer Ferretvite or Nutrical as high
calorie treats.
I wouldn't assume it's just old age. Geriatric
ferrets are subject to all sorts of problems. If you
find out what they are you can often extend the
ferret's life and improve quality of life even when
surgery just isn't an option any more. My Kodo and
Podo (both 9.5 years old) are wonderful examples of
how a good vet can be successful at paleative care
that keeps the old guys happy.
The usual disclaimer applies: I am not a vet, but
I've experienced what you are seeing and have seen a
lot of different reasons.
All the best,
Caity and the super six
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Tax Center - File online by April 15th
http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html