From:
cowsmootoo@aol.com
Date: 2005-11-10 18:59:41 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Questions & Advice
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
About a year ago, our Tweaky had his second adrenal gland removed and shortly afterwards developed Addison's Disease. This morning he crashed and we were wondering if anyone might have advice or information about removing him from all medications. We will be giving him lactated ringers twice a day until he is not longer dehydrated and removing him from all meds, giving him Rebound (electrolyte replacement) and ducksoup.
He has been on Prednisolone 3.75 mg qd, and 1/4 tab of Fludrocortisone 0.1 mg qd since last October or November.
This morning at 4:20am, we heard a strange noise from Tweaky's' cage and immediately checked on him, only to find him in distress. He had had a bowel movement on himself that was tarry and slimy, he was in noticeable pain and was dehydrated and had a yellow tinge to his skin. Could the tarry stools be a sign of bleeding and what should be done to find out for sure? Also, his urine is a dark rusty brown color, could that be due to the dehydration, or could it indicate a problem with his kidneys?
Now, my first question is, once a ferret develops Addison Disease, what are the possibilities of it going into remission and if so, for how long? Has anyone ever heard of this happening? What are the possibilities of his survival after being on medication for so long?
Second, normally how long does a ferret live after developing Addison's Disease with medication and without?
Third, Tweaky has lost most of his fur and has developed a large belly, we believe this to be due to the Pred, and we were wondering if Melatonin might help him with the fur loss and enlarging belly? Does anyone have any information as to whether any research had been done on this, and if so, where the information might be found as to the results of the research?
When he pulls through, what should we do to keep him in good health? He is a 5 1/2 to 6 year old male sable ferret. Other than the Addison's Disease he has been in good health.
I'm sorry if this is long, but....I hope some of you can answer the questions and give advice that might help our little Tweaky dude.
Mary
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