From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-03-09 19:26:18 UTC
Subject: RE: Need help with a very sick ferret
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4898553.1110396378770.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
While it is possible, this one just does not feel like DIM to me. The only similarities I notice in the pieces which are known and shared so far are general ones which can happen with a range of illness, except perhaps that there may have been an acute onset (This happened within just hours, right? Or am I wrong on that score?) thought acute onset can happen with some other things. Also, if the ferret is eating well enough willingly with assistance (due to muscle wekaness)
There is no mention of pronounced fever (105'F or over) which is on and off. There is no mention of extreme WBC count, just "slight elevation" but a slight elevation can happen with everything from almost any infection of any type to lympho which just hasn't raised it higher, yet. There is no mention of sepsis. There is no mention of a node suddenly goiing from normal to huge.
So, while there are a pile of possibilities that can't be discounted some possibilities don't feel as likley as others may be.
If possible, could you share all of the test result numbers with us? Sometimes proportions and other features of the test results can head vet members and others thinking in certain directions, plus ferrets have some nuances to interpreting their test results that are the same as for dogs or cats but the member vets and others who are good at interpreting test results may notice something. Has a perforation from an ingested foreign body been considered? Has the chest been x-rayed to look for things like JL? What cleaning or deodorizing products or other possible toxins may have made it into or near the ferret? Has anyone sick (human or animal) been around the ferret recently?