From:
ifixrex2000@yahoo.com
Date: 2005-07-22 04:54:28 UTC
Subject: RE: how to tell if prostate is enlarged
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <754482.1122008068963.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
For years he has kind of made a noise when he goes to the bathroom. I thought it could possibly be straining. He actually did this at the vet the last time we were there and the vet thought it was just an old ferret with a big belly and weak abdominal muscles going to the bathroom (this is both with urinating and defecating).
We went on a car trip and he urinated only 2 times in 12 hours. This is what made me take him to the vet.
He often defecates w/o urinating.
Blood values were all normal and vet was very pleased, except for the sugar levels which we know about. This ferret has had insulinoma for 4 years and has been on high protein diet, so I'm concerned about the crystals you mentioned.
The vet says all older animals (humans included) tend not to go to the bathroom as often as they get older b/c they have a harder time getting around.
He eats/drinks well, is not getting around that well anymore due to hind leg weakness and big belly (he's on pred), but acts like he feels pretty good. Sometimes when trying to get around he sort of twists/rolls over which is difficult to explain. My husband thinks his belly and lower extremeties feel cool. My vet says he sees a lot of older, pendulous ferrets that have trouble getting around, especially those that have indulinoma and therefore might eat more than usual.
We did not do a urine test...how is a sample taken?
Thanks for your help.
> Could you describe what you are seeing to help assess if he is having trouble urinating and how much ? Hopefully, it his signs are not as indicative as you are concerned that they may be.
> -- Sukie (not a vet)