From:
"Al Johnston"
Date: 2007-06-06 05:37:07 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] ferret inappetite and lathargic; not responding to treatment.
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Three year old neutered male ferret, previously diagnosed w/ Adrenal
and receiving 100u lupron depot. Mild tail hair thinning and
occasional problems urinating. Felt that lupon is controlling
symptoms adequately. ADV neg. Current on C.D. and R until a few
months ago.
Initial symptoms were excessive weight loss coincident with seasonal
shed and lethargy. It was determined fairly quickly that the animal
was no longer eating his dry food. Other foods he previously eat
were made available w/o result. Weight loss was from 2 lb 10 oz in
December down to 2 lb 5 oz in early may. Begin hand feeding of
supplement (nutracal) without improvement. Double amount of hand
feeding without any improvement. During this time frame it was
determine that ferret was not eating on his own over a period of more
than 4 day.
Blood work done and came back normal except for Alk. Phos. (61) and
ALT (898). Glucose (fasting) was 62 (which vet said was okay). Xray
unremarkable. Swollen mes. lymph node noted (size of a quarter).=20=20
Teeth grinding present when eating, drinking, and often on its own.
Begin feeding Conover care 24ml twice daily. Stared giving carafate=20
(or meat only baby food) 3x a day, Pred and Baytril twice a day.
Weight bottomed out at 1 lb 15 oz. Continued supplements with
results that weigh is staying in the 2 lb 1 oz to 2 lb 3 oz rage.=20
Ferret appears emaciated and possibly have muscle lose at this time.
Above continue for 19 days with no appreciable change. Animal still
is not eating on his on, but willing accepts hand feedings of
supplement. Teeth grinding continues but is somewhat abated. He
has developed an unusual new behavior of pawing at the ground in
apparent frustration. This is an unusual behavior for him. Mes.
lymph node has subsided. Something is now easily palpable along the
left side of the abdomen, that possibly could be an enlarge liver.=20=20
Essentially no play behavior, but does show interest in surrounding
and will lay in array of care giver and watch and will follow care
giver on occasion.
Two other ferrets in the same home are not showing any symptoms.
Could the be a progression of adrenal disease or is something else
showing up? Considering endoscopic exploratory w/ possibly biopsies
as indicated. Alternative would be to go in planning to remove
part/all of an adrenal and look around while in there=85. Also
considering sonogram.
We sooo wanted to go to the confrence in Portland. :(
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