From:
"Lesley Colton & Brad Long"
Date: 2007-08-03 00:32:32 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Viokase
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Yes, he does have chronic diarrhea, which has been "controlled" by
adding pumpkin to the soup. It is worse at times and better at times.
He has also had infrequent bouts of vomiting (not recently). IBD is
what I have suspected from the start, but was told that the regime he
is on is what would be prescribed treatment anyway, so a surgical
diagnosis for this was unnecessary. He doesn't have fur loss, but I
have tried to cover all bases and he has had Melatonin implants, last
one was placed 2 weeks ago. He has been tested ADV negative. Blood
work has come back mostly normal values and the abnorms have been
attributed to his basic sick demeaner. I am not against surgery but
feel that this has gone on to the point that he may be too weak to do
well post-op. I have taken him to 3 different vets (all are exotic,
ferretwise docs.) We have received possible diagnosis of insulinoma,
IBD and even multiple myeloma (shadowing on spinal film, possible
pathological fracture of rear foot with overcalcification healing
process). I have been able to maintain him pretty well up until now
but the loss of muscle mass and increased weakness are really bad. If
Viokase is safe for cats, I wonder if there would be
contraindications in ferrets. Would the enzyme harm an already
inflammed bowel?
Lesley
>
> Does he have chronic diarrhea? Any fur loss, other signs of adrenal
> disease? You may want to consider IBD ( inflammatory bowel
disease),
> and if he is getting worse, even an exploratory to do biopsy for
IBD.
> Plus the vet can check his pancreas and adrenals while in.
>
> I think he needs a diagnosis at this point, and although surgery
may
> sound aggressive, in the past wtih my ferrets who have had chronic
> wasting, or diarrhea- it seems the cost of surgery and getting a
> diagnosis is worth it in the long run.
>...
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