From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-07-16 20:24:25 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Dealing with an older ferret
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <2570430.1121545465281.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Okay, first off: AD and ADV are abbreviations that refer to Aleutian Disease, not adrenal disease. There is NO abbreviation for adrenal neoplasia.
Do you know the particulars on the heart damage? How do current heart tests look? Which tests? Has a vet or vet cardiology consultant familiar with ferret hearts said that there is heart damage? Ferrets are not dogs or cats so there are differences.
What medicines are being used for the heart disease? Some of those change how much fluid is needed.
Does your ferret have another medical problem for which more fluid intake than usual may be needed, such as kidney disease? (Kidney Disease may also affect protein intake, sometimes needing that lowered.
Here is information on treating adrenal neoplasia medically using Lupron Depot and Melatonin. In some parts of the world Suprelorin is available instead of Lupron.
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/adrenal.htm
In 24 years with ferrets our favorite for weight gain is usually a/d, a canned food that is available from vets.