From:
meltodandcats@juno.com
Date: 2005-06-27 07:18:13 UTC
Subject: RE: Side effects of Meds? - HELP!
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <5151267.1119856693134.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Hi! I am not a vet, but am owned by 7 ferrets. I am making an educated guess and suggestions from personal experience with my guys.
I have a little guy who had adrenal and insulinoma surgeries and is currently on Prednisolone. Within the last year his belly got really huge like you described. Recently the vet thinks he may have developed cardiomyopathy which he said may cause an enlarged abdomen. Now I know that he had scar tissue from a prior surgery, but he seems worse now. He also sleeps alot on his back. He has cried when going to the bathroom - however he fell so that may have been the cause for "crying out". Occasionally he will whimper certain ways you hold him and seems to have labored breathing even while sleeping at times. He was put on Lasix for fluid build up in his chest area...consequently the Lasix appears to have decreased his belly size and discomfort.
>From what I know, yes the Pred can cause ulcers which could be why his stool is tarry from digested blood. The insulinoma itself can cause nausea - so it may be possible your little one is showing more symptoms from insulinoma itself along with possible ulcers. Also has he been checked for a heart problem - just incase? If he doesn't have a heart problem (which I certainly hope he doesn't) I am not sure if Lasix may be used strictly to see if it helps with his belly - in the event there is fluid in his tummy...as I do believe it has helped my little one. The vet who prescribed the Lasix, who also happens to be a very ferret knowledgeable vet, said it may be twofold in that it may help his big tummy...which it has.
As I mentioned, I am not a vet, but have shared from personal experience. I truly wish you luck and hope your little guy improves!!
Melanie
Author wrote:
...Last night, however, he threw up after eating and seemed quite nauseous with labored breathing and very uncomfortable. He cried out when trying to poop and His stool was very narrow and dark. ....but his stool is still tarry and thin and after eating tonight he threw up again. ...I know pred. can cause ulcers would this be a sign of that? I have also noticed his stomach has become more enlarged/bloated over the last few weeks and he has what I would call an acid reflux response after eating. ....Could I be dealing with a blockage - Ulcer - or is this a side effect of Pred.