From:
stevesorber@comcast.net
Date: 2005-01-20 19:32:02 UTC
Subject: Transtracheal Wash in ferrets
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <968559.1106249522722.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
This is my first time posting so forgive me if this is too long or confusing!
Delta is a 4 year old male ferret. Several months ago he started with a cough. We took him to the vet (knowing it could be heart issues) who determined fluid was collecting in his trachea. He was on pred for 10 days and that cleared things up.
One Sunday before Thanksgiving he started having trouble breathing. Very rapid, almost a pant. He also was losing weight, lethargic, not himself. We took him in and they did xrays thinking heart disease, he also received injectible lasix for fluid. The next day he was much improved.
His follow up xray showed no fluid, but a few white spots on his lungs...possibly lymphoma. He had an Echo. done and the cardiologist/radiologist could find no evidence of heart disease after 40 films in black and white and color.
Now for the confusing issue....what is his diagnosis. He is being treated for a combo of lympho and heart disease. He takes lasix and pred twice a day, also enalapril once a day. We stopped the digoxin and clavamox (in case it was some type of infection). He has several vets stumped. One can't imagine how he is still alive after his first presentation.
We have gradually increased his pred to .6ml twice a day, he takes 1.5ml of lasix twice a day and enalapril (1/12th of a 20mg tablet) once a day.
He had a couging/breating episode this past Saturday. We gave him an additional dose of lasix and in 30 minutes he was calm. Sunday was good and now he is back to being tired, not wanting to eat (will drink pediasure) and not himself.
Thoughts? Has anyone gone through this before?
The vet suggested doing a transtracheal wash. Has anyone had this done on a ferret? We are at a loss as to what this could be. His blood work showed nothing really out of whack, but that was a month ago. He is due for another xray and updated bloodwork. He is a puzzle.
Ideas, suggestions? All help is appreciated!
Thank you.
Jessica in PA