From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-01-06 22:54:07 UTC
Subject: RE: Boo-Boo''s vet visit --- I really need advice
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4677243.1105052047939.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Well, there are a few things which run through my mind here.
The first is that a gain that rapid is pretty stressful and bound to be nothing but fat when it happens that fast rather than healthy muswcle weight. Imagine if you added a hefty bit of weight -- say even just 10 to 20 percent that rapidly how very hard it would be for your muscles to deal with that added burden. There are wieght belts and vests which let a person do that for workign out. Try one set at a given weight in a sports store and see how it feels to have a sudden large gain to deal with.
The second is that given the vet's instructions I am wondering if perhaps your ferret was not underweight or not badly underweight. What weight was he at what size and age? Is he someone who is on the robust size for a ferret (broad skeletal frame) or is he more gracile like a whippet? Too much fat and too little muscle is bad for anyone, and eating enough to have a large and rapid weight gain also can distend the stomach which will increase hunger and stomach pain even when further weight gain isn't a good idea. Remember that there is nothing wrong with feeling the ribs of a ferret a bit when you hold them -- and on most who are at an active and healthy weight you will feel the ribs some -- but you don't want the ribs jutting out. Obesity is not healthy for ferrets.
It usually takes more than a decent bit of fat on the ferret's body to wind up with large fat pads at the nodes, so take that into account.
Weight gain is better done along with muscle gain.
Now, if the ferret isn't overweight. you will want to consider a few other things. The CBC with Chemistry Panel will include the blood glucose levels, so that is helpful.
You'll want to watch those nodes and if they get hard pull one for pathology.
You will also want to be sure that the weight on the ferret is fat and not fluid. If there is ascites then you will want to see what those blood test results look like, think even more seriously about having a node pulled for pathology if hard to the touch, and image the chest.
When you have the results *if* there is an all-clear then talk with your vet about designing an exercise program for the little one.