From:
fi0na2@hotmail.com
Date: 2005-07-19 00:15:37 UTC
Subject: Insulinomatic/Adrenal ferret staggering, enlarged abdomen
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <5362990.1121732137968.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Hello,
Background on Heather. 8.5 yo female ferret. Diagnosed with insulinoma and adrenal disease in June of 04. Had surgery in September of 04 for insulinoma and liver biopsy. Has had enlarged spleen for past 2 years and sub-standard liver function for the past year or so. In the last 2 mos she's had a
higher than average respiration rate. Past 2 mos has also seen increase in size of her abdominal cavity. An ultrasound showed no problems with her heart, and a small growth (poss. cyst - 2cm) on her liver.
Current meds: Prednisolone .4 ml BID @3mgs/ml, Lasix .2ml BID, milk thistle .28ml once a day. This evening when I went to give Heather her meds she was unable to get up. Refused chicken gravy. He abdomen is HUGE - much larger than it was at 7am today. I gave her meds and some baby food this evening. She's still having difficulty walking (her one leg keeps on going out from under her, although both are shakey)and is shivering and more lethargic than usual.She's also having difficulty holding her head up.
One other note may be that I'm in Pa and it was really hot here today. The ferret room is airconditioned. When I arrived home there had been a power outage during the day but I don't know how long it lasted.
I'm going to give her a bit of Karo syrup followed by more baby food/kibble mix. Any other suggestions? I will contact her vet in the AM.
Thanks in advance,
Lisa P., Heather, and Fredericka