From:
s.m.owens@rogers.com
Date: 2005-01-08 20:43:23 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] RE: Boo-Boo
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <2140261.1105217003355.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Please keep in mind that with cardiomyopathy, there are other symptoms to be considered besides fluid retention. Typically lethargy, lack of appetite and in the advanced stages a cough might be present as well. Lots of info in the archives on this.
With kidney problems it's usually severe dehydration that you'd be concerned about. And there are other symptoms as well, such as lack of appetite, foul odor of the breath, oral ulcers (you can check Boo Boo's mouth - especially the roof), lethargy, hind leg weakness, fever, frequent urination, etc. Lots of info in the archives on this as well. Diabetes can be misdiagnosed for CRF (chronic renal failure) and vice-versa.
It doesn't mean ALL ferrets will have ALL of these symptoms. What I'm trying to get at is before jumping the gun because someone "suggests" something here - you need to research it first. You're the one who sees his behaviour, energy levels, etc. I understand you're under a lot of pressure right now trying to help your little one. But you need to take of yourself as well, because if you burn out or "crash", you won't be able to help anyone, Boo Boo included.
Author wrote:
> Boo-Boo was skin and bones prior to the treatment for ulcers and forced hand-
> feedings. Before that he was literally just skin and bones. He lost weight pretty
> quickly when he stopped eating due to the ulcers.
> I don't have exact lab values yet as I need to request a copy, but according to the vet
> his creatinine (sp?), BUN and blood sugar levels indicated diabetes and kidney
> disease. What I found interesting, and maybe you guys can add some input to this,
> is that he didn't gain until the forced-feedings (which stopped being forced when
> the ulcers began to heal). Do you think this still could be fluid retention? If so,
> what do you think might account for no retention until the chicken gravy, force-
> feedings began?