From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-02-23 15:28:46 UTC
Subject: RE: my very sick baby
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <1889277.1109172526079.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
There seems to possibly be a promising case with an immune-suppression approach that is being tried, so look for a mail from Dr. Ramsell who has the details on that and have your vet contact her to learn more. Except for that possibility I do not know of possible survivors but do know that there was one with a hiatus which is a good sign for the direction research into approaches is taking.
Do have your vet contact the researchers. Then make your choices depending on that. Please, do seriously consider providing pathology samples to any of the researchers who request them. That is very important. At some point something will work. With our Chiclet it was too early after discovery of the syndrome, but I know from having seen progress with so many ferret diseases over the years that something will click at some point.
I do realize that it is a very hard call, and I wish I had more promise to offer. Before any choice I think it would be best for your vet and you to hear what is showing promise for treatment and then discuss it.
Trying immune suppressant drugs is not readily obvious with this disease on the face of it but those work far better than anything else and hold out the most promise so far.
I know how it is with those fevers, and yes, these ferrets do classically retain their appetites in most cases as long as they are helped to get food in. Sometimes they need help with hydration, though.