From:
"ytonytcla"
Date: 2006-11-13 23:18:54 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Soft stools (was possible campylobacter)
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
subject recreated.
My 20 week old Suki has had soft stools from the day I
brought her home (8/01/06). I thought at first that it was
probably stress due to the move,change of water/food etc.
She is very, very active,has put on weight consistently and
appears to be in very good condition.She interacts with me
and her companion in an alert and competetive manner.
She is fed mainly on kibble (min 50% turkey, protein 36%, fat
19%,fibre 3%,ash 9.5%,vits A E and C and trace elements).
She eats constantly,drinks a lot of water.
Her stools are large quantity, fully formed but are soft enough
to sink into a soft pile,normal color,not birdseedy,not watery or
slimy and start to smell strongly after a few hours.
fecal samples sent to lab and diagnosed with campylobacter. I
know that young ferrets may get this but that it is uncommon
and have suggested to the vet that he should ask the lab to
check that it is not really helicobacter M. or ielobacter.
Vet has still to decide on treatment depending on lab
confirmation of bacteria type.
Her companion Sugar has no signs or symptoms whatever.
After much discussion and lab unable to confirm that organism
was campylobacter, we have decided on helicobacter M and
started on clarithromycin 12.5mg (0.25ml of 250mg/5ml) every
8 hrs.
After 8 days blood and more fecals submitted for analysis.
Ultrasound was done and showed slightly enlarged spleen
(which could also be felt). No other signs noted by vet.
The following blood values were not in normal ferret range.
Ferret Normals
mean range Suki,lab
Alkaline Phosphatase 37 15-75 154
AST 61 23-99 155
ALT 95 13-176 210
LDH 274 101-498 3252 ???
Bilirubin 3.42 1.71-8.85 1
Albumin 33 25-41 43
globulin 22 18-29 18
Triglycerides 1.2 0.38-1.24 1.3
Other values tested which were normal were gamma GT, total
protein, creatine, calcium , phosphorus, chloride, sodium,
potassium, CP/CPK, cholesterol, triglyceride, bile acid
faeces were clear for infectious agents.
After 14 days the treatment was stopped.
Suki's symptoms are exactly the same as originally described,
she seems quite fat especially noticable around neck, shoulders
and abdomen, she eats constantly and is now 1.15kg (from
1.1 kg over 3 1/2 wks) 2.42 to 2.53 lbs.
She is a real livewire and constantly behaves at the extremes
of mischief.
Her companion Sugar still has no signs or symptoms whatever.
I understand that the high liver values can be seen when
ferret is fasting/anorexic but also can be symptom of rapid GI
transit.
Vet visit scheduled for later this week.
Anyone with any ideas please feel free to comment.
Tony, Sugar and Suki.
In memory of Sally and Sue.