Message Number: FHL1093 | New FHL Archives Search
From: <grape_apes@charter.net>
Date: 2007-05-16 19:21:49 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] RE: Re: 5 yr old ferret sick
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com

=E2=80=9CRe: 5 yr old ferret sick
Posted by: "m_kropf" m_kropf@yahoo.com m_kropf
Tue May 15, 2007 7:58 am (PST)
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, Robert Rose <robert.rose@...> wrote:
>
> Have you checked for a blockage?
>
He does not have blockage as he is pooping. In fact as of now he will
not move and is covered with feces. The vet did a thyroid,
electrolyte, and biochemical panel test on him. I guess that means no
glucose test done on him. Yesterday got about 1/4 cup of his food down
him at two sittings, but today will not eat at all. I think he is done
for. Do I need a special tester for doing the glucose test? My husband
is diabetic. I read an article on ferret glucose levels, but did not
know if they needed a special tester. It said I could use any
drugstore strips, so wondered if I could use regular tester. Thank you
so very much for your help, but I am fearing it is too late. =E2=80=9C


It is possible to have a partial obstruction and still poop. One of our fe=
rret patients recently had an issue with this, and she was, though pooping =
less and abnormally, still pooping. There did not appear to be anything si=
gnificant on her x-rays besides a lot of gas, but an ultrasound showed a po=
ssible suspicious spot near her stomach (it was potentially moving in and a=
round that area enough that sometimes it blocked her, and sometimes it didn=
=E2=80=99t) and an exploratory had us removing some debris from her intesti=
nes. After surgery, she recovered and is now doing fine.

You can use a human glucometer for them-the results aren=E2=80=99t perfect,=
but they=E2=80=99re better than with a cat/dog-calibrated one (I believe B=
ayer is coming out with a ferret-calibrated one soon?). I don=E2=80=99t kn=
ow which strips your vet was referring to-if they use a human glucometer or=
an animal-calibrated one (and by animal, that does not include ferrets). =
Typically those big bloodwork panels will include a blood glucose-check wit=
h your vet and be persistent about getting specific answers and detailed re=
sults; is there another ferret-knowledgeable vet in the area you can consul=
t with or see for a second opinion?

I wish you all the best with your fuzzy.

-April (vet tech and ferret owner)




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