From:
"William M. Davidson"
Date: 2005-02-01 04:37:59 UTC
Subject: vomiting
To: ferret-list@cunyvm.cuny.edu, ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <29912037.1107235175558.JavaMail.nobody@vanadium.smartgroups.com>
Hobbes, about 3 years old, was recovering very well from his adrenal
surgery in November 2004. He had one adrenal gland removed (it was
the easy one, don't remember if that is left or right?) and I thought
he would be healthy for some time.
Two weeks ago, he started vomiting about 1 hour after eating. I
thought a blockage since it was very sudden so I took him in to an
emergency vet the next day (Sunday). After examination and X-ray,
it was determined not to be a blockage. Waited about 24 hours and
then started feeding him duck soup since he had no further interest
in his kibble. He was running and playing again by the end of the
week but never really ate kibble until Friday. Once again he was
throwing up about 1 hour after eating the kibble.
This time our vet suspected ulcers (helicobacter) and started a
treatment with 1.0cc Biaxin(250mg/5cc) daily and 0.6cc amoxi
(50mg/1cc) twice daily. Hobbes didn't like Biaxin but he tolerated
it. I was still feeding duck soup 4 time daily. Once again, by
the end of week, he was running and playing. One would not think
anything was wrong by looking at him. By now, he had 5 full daily doses
of Biaxin and amoxi.
On Saturday night, about 1 hour after feeding him duck soup, he
vomited all of his meal up. I waited about 12 hours for his stomach
to settle and I tried giving him duck soup again. This time he
refused to take it from the bowl. I had to use a syringe to feed
him. Once again, his meal came up about 1 hour later. I suspended
his meds because I thought food was more important. Besides,
it appeared Biaxin and amoxi were not helping. I tried smaller
meals and he was able to keep about 12cc of duck soup down.
Today, our vet told me he doesn't know what else Hobbes may hove.
We discussed megaesophagus and scar tissue forming from the surgery
but he ruled out both. He still thinks it may be an ulcer. He
also gave me metoclopramide to prevent Hobbes from throwing up.
This afternoon, I gave him a reduced serving of duck soup and resumed
the Biaxin. The duck soup from the syringe was accepted willingly
and he even eat some straight from his bowl as long as I hold his
front paws and he stands on his rear feet. However, he _fought_ to
keep me from giving him the Biaxin. Afterwards, he clawed at his
mouth and ground his teeth. He has never responded this way to
Biaxin before. I would guess he was in some sort of pain.
On the good side, as of two hours after feeding him, he has not
thrown up his food and medicine. I am dreading giving him his next
dose of Biaxin. I give the amoxi at two of the other feedings so
I don't know how he will react to that yet.
His stools are softer than usual (not runny), brown, and slimy with mucus.
In summary: Hobbes acts fine most of the time and he quickly gets ill and throws up.
Sorry for the long history. Does anyone have ideas of what Hobbes
is suffering from? Have you seen anything similar with your fuzzies?
Thanks in advance for your help!
--
William M. Davidson
grateful@nmia.com
Albuquerque, NM 87112
505 294 4571
Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they
don't want, to impress people they don't like.
-Will Rogers