Message Number: SG14246 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "Sue Liszewski"
Date: 2005-06-06 03:34:55 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] very sick ferret with anemia
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <BAY104-F16F8ED06CB1CC6C665D60BDCFB0@phx.gbl>

How about Adrenal. Females will get estogen problems from adrenal has it
been ruled out?
Could be autoimmune, or even possible blood parasites. I would treat for it
just in case, and yes a transfusion might be needed. Risks of a reaction
are low but if blood is given too fast, or too much ast once then you may
find more problems. Worse case scenario a bone marrow biopsy, but check
adrenal and ulcer first. You can still treat for blood parasites like
hemobartonella without it interfereing. Use Doxycycline and Pred. Also is
the anemia regenerative or nonregenerative? This might give clues too.
Best of luck to you.

Dr. Sue

>From: twinpines@earthlink.net
>Reply-To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>Subject: [ferrethealth] very sick ferret with anemia
>Date: Sun, 5 Jun 2005 18:15:32 +0100 (BST)
>
>I am hoping someone has some suggestions. I have been to 3 vets and still
>have no answers.
>
>Here is some background information.
>I have a 2 1/2 year old female ferret. When she was about 9 months old she
>got into some laundry detergent and burned her throat and eyes. She
>surprisingly survived after a emergency trip to the vet and an I.V. for 2
>days, followed by hand feeding duck soup for about 4 months. Last October
>she got very sick, anemic and had an enlarged spleen. After several
>attempts to treat it, she had it removed. After the surgery she did great.
>About 45 days ago she started acting lethargic and once again look very
>pale. I took her to the vet and they gave her anti inflammatory shots &
>prescribed hi-vite drops. This went on for several weeks with no
>improvement. I was then given Prednisolone drops to give once a day (1/2
>dropper full) but still no improvement. Obtained 2nd opinion and went
>through full exam and blood test. Found no problems with kidneys or other
>organs, no cancer cells were found but very low blood count. Vet thought
>maybe she had an Ulcer or possible bone marrow cancer. Was given
>Amoxicillin and Epogen shot. We have finished all medication and received
>another Epogen shot but still no improvement. Checked for Alutians
>disease, this was negative. She is very weak, eating fine, sleeps alot,
>her poop is soft but no longer dark.
>
>Anyone have any idea what may be wrong.
>
>Thanks,
>Karen
>
>
>
>
>
>
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