From:
Linda Iroff
Date: 2005-04-19 14:47:58 UTC
Subject: Question about Ulcerative Pyloritis
To: cowsmootoo@aol.com
Cc: Ferret Health List <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-id: <c46fc6a7a8bc8784774d8c17423e3927@oberlin.edu>
Mary writes
> I'm wondering if anyone has ever heard of ulcerative pyloritis and if
> so, what exactly is it, and how is it treated?
Just based on the name, this sounds very like what my daughter had as a
young child. The pylorus is the channel that leads from the stomach to
the intestines, so pyloritis would simply be inflamed pylorus,
presumably caused by ulcers.
Daughter Joy became ill after a bout of the flu, and couldn't keep any
food down. It was determined she had an ulcer near the pylorus and
inflammation was blocking the channel. This was BEFORE they knew ulcers
were caused by helicobacter and could be treated with antibiotics like
Biaixin. Joy eventually had an operation where they widened the pylorus
so digested food could go through. She recovered completely and has had
no problems since.
I'm not familiar with Reno's history, but my recommendation is to get
him on Biaixin asap, and to add carafate to sooth the ulcer. It is
imperative to reduce the inflammation quickly so food will go through.
Flagyl does the same thing as Biaixin, but needs to be given for longer
and ferrets hate it, so I'd stay with the Biaixin.
Reno will also probably need hydration with sub-q's several times a
day. Ask your vet to show you how if you've never done it. It really
isn't that hard, especially if you have someone to help the first
couple times.
NOTE: I am not a vet, but have had lots of experience treating ulcers
and helicobacter in ferrets.
Linda Iroff
International Ferret Congress
http://www.ferretcongress.org
Meet us in St. Louis April 29-May 1!