From:
maikeru207@yahoo.com
Date: 2006-06-04 10:00:47 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Diarrhea, weakness
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Hi, I would like some guidance regarding the diagnosis/treatment of my ferret. The following is a somewhat brief history:
In March 2006 we left our ferret, Bu, with friends during a two week trip. Our friends have 2 dogs and 7 ferrets; all healthy. Bu quickly developed diarrhea, lost his appetite, and gagging. We returned and a vet visit turned up a negative abdominal x-ray and a low blood sugar of 54 (I think). Negative fecal float for parasites. No definitive diagnosis.
Vet notes possibility of Insulinoma vs. GI disorder.
Subcutaneous fluids helped. Metronizadole seemed to decrease the diarrhea. .5mg of Prednisone 2x/day with phase out not much help. He began to eat blended kibble in addition to chicken baby food, but then went back to only chicken baby food.
Back on Pred .5mg 2x/day.
About 10 days ago he was very weak, unable to stand on tile floor, and unstable on carpet. Pred increased to 1mg 2x/day and Bu improved dramatically. More active, eating dry kibble, decreasing diarrhea, played for the first time in 2 months, and increased weight.
Attempt to decrease Pred starting yesterday to .5mg 2x/day has resulted in less activity and increased diarrhea. Also, I don't know if this is related, but his ears always seem to itch more than normal when he is declining.
I need some guidance on further diagnostic testing or treatment ideas. Our vet is not a ferret specialist and is trying to find a specialist in our area. In the meantime, should I just bump the Pred back up to 1mg 2x/day to treat based on symptoms?
Thanks for any help. I forgot to mention that Bu is approximately 7 years old.
Michael
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