Message Number: SG16283 | New FHL Archives Search
From: rocky_rrr@yahoo.com
Date: 2005-12-31 19:01:48 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] PREPARATION OF DIMS RESEARCH CANDIDATE
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com

I can hardly write this. I've had my 3rd diagnosed DIMS. He's Spike, a 17 mo old MF. He came to me, with his 3 siblings in excellent health. He was in no way neglected or abused. This is rare, but came in current on vacs, and vet records. He's United CEP ADV negative. In his first year, I see that his owner had him treated for an ulcer. So, I was watching for "shelter shock", and/or depression.

5 days ago he started exhibiting lethargy, overall muscle weakness, and anorexia. I first thought he had the flu and started him on Amoxy for any secondary infections. Of couse this happened during Christmas and the weekend. I took his BG with a Freestyle Animal calibrated test strips. The first taken soon after eating a meal of Carnivore Care was 269. A fasting BG was 170. I was certain that I was dealing with a diabetic ferret.

I got him to the vet ASAP, and the bloodwork had all the hallmarks of DIMS. I couldn't at that moment leave him to be PTS and submitted for research.

My goal is to now get Spike through this weekend, and surrender him to be helped over on Tuesday. He has an absolute voracious appetite.

Upon the diagnosis immediately stopped the Amoxy, as I understand the researchers need untainted tissue, and need to be able to see DIMS in it's most angry and agressive state.

However, I have given him 0.1cc Metacam. That's the question, in preparation for the procedure, will the Metacam bastardize any chance of acquiring the most comprehensive pathology.

It's a paradox. My mission is to rescue and restore. Spike cannot be fixed, but I can't allow him to feel pain between now and Tuesday. His mind and spirit is very bright and alert.

Another question, has anyone ever had a toxicology panel done on a DIMS victim?

Thank you for your support and information. Any other advice would certainly be welcomed.

Affectionately,
Barb Clay
Dir of Shelter Affairs
Rocky's Ferret Rescue and Shelter, Inc.
Parkton, Md. 21120
410 329-6111
www.rockysferrets.com





====================================================================<<<
Whatever you Wanadoo, click below:
http://ads.smartgroups.com/adclick/CID=000000b7c79a99a500000000
====================================================================>>>
--
If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth

To leave the group, email: ferrethealth-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com

Report abuse http://www.smartgroups.com/text/abusereport.cfm?gid%3D1423922&mid%3D16283