From:
angela@ort.org
Date: 2005-03-21 16:26:06 UTC
Subject: Menigitis or degenerative problem?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <2819510.1111422366438.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
I have a 5 year male castrated ferret. I homed him at about 2 years of age history before that is unknown. At the end of 2003, he had a severe infection which presented in a high temp., lethargy, depression and lack of appetite. He was treated with antibiotics and he recovered really well which surprised us all because he was very bad. The vet thought it could be meningitis.
Although he recovered, he has been a lot more lethargic than usual getting to the point in Dec. last year we took him to the vets as he wouldn't move at all. Tests showed an enlarged spleen, but no carcinoma but we removed it. He recovered well and improved greatly. About 3 weeks later he developed a chronic urinary problem, however a course of antibiotics cleared that up nicely.
About 2 weeks ago, he became really depressed again, didn't want to move, not interested in his surroundings and kept falling over. Over a couple of days he improved a little and by the end of the week he was a lot better. However, he is still quite lethargic and if there isn't anything to stimulate him he will find a dark corner and sleep. He's still a little wobbly and floppy, and shows hind leg weakness, but is generally brighter. He can seem a bit vacant - but he is aware of what's going on around him. He seems to have problems gripping and his reflexes are slow.
I had a full blood test done on him last week which came back normal except for his red blood cell count which was on the low side, but not anemic.
Can anyone help?
Angela