From:
CowsMooToo@aol.com
Date: 2005-04-08 01:27:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Treatment for IBS
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <1c9.262cf20a.2f8737e4@aol.com>
Reno had surgery on Tuesday and the vet found a very thickened intestine
where it joins the stomach, the stomach looked fine but was biopsies as well.
When the vet removed the stomach and intestine from the body, he said the
intestine started to crack open and bleed. He has never seen one that thickened.
We should find out the results of the biopsy tomorrow (hopefully), but
wanted to get some information gathered for him if it does come back that he has
IBS/IBD. He doesn't think it is Helicobacter, but at this point, we aren't
sure of what is going on with poor little Reno.
He's a 2 1/2 year old dark sable ferret with a history of this problem,
since he was purchased from a pet store in Reno, NV at the age of 8 weeks old.
Before he was surrendered to us, his previous owners had him to the vet, but
didn't continue with the medication because Reno fought taking it.
Right now we have him on chicken broth as the vet is concerned that the
intestines might tear lose from the stomach. He seems to be handling that well,
and is finally taking it on his own, prior to surgery, he was being fed by
syringe. The tooth grinding has almost completely stopped, but he does make
gurgling sounds after feedings, but at least he isn't vomiting anymore. (Vomiting
frequently over the past 2 months during and after feedings.)
His symptoms are, teeth grinding, vomiting, watery stools, lethargy, not
eating and pain. His treatment so far has been, Flagyl, Amoxicillin, Biaxin,
and Mylanta.
What kinds of tests are done to rule out allergies, or find out what kind of
allergy is creating the problem?
I've read every thing I could find on IBD/IBS and ferrets, as I suffer from
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and I'm wondering why give an
immunosuppressive medication for IBD? What is the difference between IBD and Crohns Disease?
Mary