From:
sukie crandall
Date: 2005-04-12 22:38:18 UTC
Subject: update of big Al
To: ferret-list <ferret-list@cunyvm.cuny.edu>, ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
protein diets
Message-id: <3079c8c2d090008dc63584922606c36f@optonline.net>
Hilbert had a slight, light haze on x-ray so needed some follow-up
urinalysis work to see if it was just an artifact or if he is starting
bladder sludge. The results from the follow-up tests could not be
better! His pH was not too low, he concentrated not too much and not
too little, etc. Morney was perfect on x-ray and her urine pH tests at
home haven't been too low, though for a while Hilbert's remained on the
low side.
So, we have two ferrets here who got cystine stones on higher protein
diets but after almost a year are not getting them on the more standard
35% protein diets.
The number of ferrets who do this is unknown, but we have heard of some
who responded just the same way, as well as hearing of two who needed
medical intervention.
There is a chance that this is genetic. Many, many generations of U.S.
ferrets have eaten 35% protein diets so the ones who would have died
off early on diets with a higher protein level similar to wild diets
would have survived and procreated just fine. Ferrets are not the only
members of Carnivora in which some members have this vulnerability, for
example it is documented multiple breeds of dogs and in at least one
species of wolf.
There is a study of these ferrets going on. This information is asked
to be shared with your vets, please:
> Study Coordinator: Michelle Hawkins VMD Dipl. ABVP (Avian Practice)
> Companion Avian and Exotic Pet Service
> VM: Medicine and Epidemiology
> 2108 Tupper Hall
> University of CA, Davis
> Davis, CA 95616
> 530.752.1363 (ph)
> mghawkins@ucdavis.edu
>
To: AmericanFerretAssociation@yahoogroups.com, Ferret@groups.msn.com,
ferretsanctuary@groups.msn.com, ferretstuff4sale@yahoogroups.com,
FerretTalk@yahoogroups.com, ferretville@groups.msn.com,
deaf_ferrets@yahoogroups.com, ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
From: Crazyferretmom@aol.com
Message-ID: <6d.4325332e.2f8da7da@aol.com>
I got to bring Big Al home today. Yeah!!!!! He is doing a lot better they
got his glucose level back up to 102, he is defiantly has Insulinoma. The ran
a chem panel on him and everything looked good. Right now he is on the
Prednisolone .25 ml once daily. I am going to make some duck soup for him. I need
to find the Bob Church's recipe, so any one knows where I can get I would
appreciate it.
For right now we are holding off on the surgery, two reason, my vet wants
him to get his strength back up and see how he does on the meds, and I want to
get better finically prepared.
Big Al was very happy to be home and had to check everything and everyone
out, so that was so wonderful to see. After yesterday, I did not know if my baby
would be coming back to me. I am so thankful he pulled through.
I have a copy of his lab test but I am not sure what i am ready, does anyone
know how?
Thank you all for your kind words and prayers for Big Al, please keep him in
your prayers, he will be having surgery down the road.
julie