Message Number: FHL6465 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "Kim"
Date: 2008-10-23 17:03:22 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Wet Cough
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com

This is the page that mentioned a connection of hyperadrenocorticism
and pneumonia:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=11+1282&aid=2690

They don't go into much depth except to say:
"In ferrets, pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis is seen in animals on
long-term corticosteroid therapy or with the diagnosis of
hyperadrenocorticism."

It could be that they may just be referencing the long term
corticosteroid treatment often used in conjunction with
hyperadrenocorticism, but the way the sentence is written - it looks
like hyperadrenocorticism can be a contributor to pneumonia.

I'm also wondering why neither vet decided to do a blood sample to try
to determine the cause of their coughing.

Considering the seriousness of pneumonia in ferrets and its apparent
prevalence without showing typical symptoms as well as the wide range
of antagonists ) fungal, bacerial, viral); you'd think they'd want to
fight it with the right ammunition from the beginning rather than try
a poke and hope approach.

I imagine as the years progress with these wonderful companions, I'll
experience more health issues where in I may become non chalant about
their onset and medicinal requirements - but having experienced years
of bronchitis myself and suffering a couple bouts of bronchial
pneumonia, I know the pain and energy drain of persistent deep racking
coughs. Watching my tiny friends suffer such coughing leaves me
feeling hopeless. Spending big bucks at the vet's and ending up with a
"broad spectrum" antibiotic and childfren's cough syrup with no real
diagnosis of the causative agent for their distress leaves me even
more perplexed.

I am VERY happy to see and hear them responding to this "generalized"
treatment - but still would have wanted ( and still would like to)
know what caused the onset - so I may be able to avoid it with the
other four.

Cheers,
Kim

--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "Sukie Crandall" <sukie@...> wrote:
>
> --- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "Kim" <Forgewizard@> wrote:
>
> > I did a simple online search for "Ferret Pneumonia" and one of the
> > sites listed Hyperadrenocorticism" as a contributing factor for
> > pneumonia. I'll see if I cna find it again.
>
>
> The form of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets is NOT the
> Cushings Disease found most other species so you must
> remember the that term "hyperadrenocorticism" is a
> broad umbrella and that there are different types with
> different possible results.


------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:ferrethealth-digest@yahoogroups.com
mailto:ferrethealth-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
ferrethealth-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/