From:
smc1107@aol.com
Date: 2006-02-26 21:43:28 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Need help/suggestions for my fading little one
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Hi everyone,
I'm new to the list today and am hoping for some helpful suggestions. I'm the owner of a 3 year old female ferret (Addie) who started off with the greenies about four/five weeks ago and has been battling problems since. She's at her worst today and we're very worried. I went through the greenies with my last ferret (who lived until she was 7) but this is the worst I've seen.
We have been to the vet about 7 or 8 times. Will go back in tomorrow due to deterioration in condition this weekend but am starting to wonder if additional insight (i.e. yours) might be helpful as I think we're at the end of our rope. Addie is fading.
History: She started out with diarrhea and vomiting five weeks ago. Vomiting was rare and has stopped. Diarrhea hasn't really ever stopped. Was black and tarry a few intermittent times during the past week, but none in past three days since starting Pepcid AC. Most recent blood work showed only increased liver enzymes and were told to start the SMZ/TMP and to increase feeding amount and frequency to keep food working the liver. Swollen and irritated bottom and privates about two weeks ago. Treated with Neosporin, then Cortaid, now Desitin. About three weeks ago started rubbing tongue on roof of mouth when being fed. Started grinding teeth during feedings in the past week.
Current symptoms: Increased lethargy this weekend (not previously too bad), pale gums and paw pads, continued absence of appetite (but is thirsty) - hasn't eaten dry kibble in four weeks. Will accept syringe feedings and shows moderate interest in food but grinds teeth during feedings with increasing frequency (but no other times). Shivers after eating. Clearly depressed. Runny stools remain.
Treatment: Was on Amoxicillin for about a week at the beginning. Now is on SMZ/TMP Suspension, .25cc twice daily and has been for about two and a half weeks. Also getting Pepcid AC twice daily as of Thursday. Has received periodic Sub-Q fluids due to dehydration when visiting the vet (about twice a week). Normal weight is 1.5 lbs. Has been hovering around 15 oz/1lb for the past week and a half. Very skinny. Very weak this weekend. Anorexia has been treated by A/D, A/D and ground Totally Ferret combo, and just started today with Gerber chicken baby food out of desperation. Also started with Pedialyte today.
Will see the vet tomorrow to determine new course of action or to talk about euthanasia if no new course of action is recommended. She isn't getting better and can't keep going like this.
Vet was previously reluctant to treat for ulcers until I pushed. I feel that we have not tried much as far as meds, etc. and so feel there must be something else to try. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much.
Scott (and Addie)
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