From:
"mikesnana2004"
Date: 2008-12-22 07:11:16 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Spinal Infection
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I have a DMK male named Jesse who is approx 4 years old. On Dec. 8th,
Jesse lost the use of his hind end. My first thought was Insulinoma
and I started him on .25cc prednisolone. After 3 days (and upping the
pred to .5) I saw no improvement. So, off to the vet we go. The vet
did a few tests. Jesse's BG was 35 (fasting) so he does have
insulinoma. The vet diagnosed Jesse as having an infection of the
spinal cord due to dental issues. He also had mouth ulcers. Dr. put
Jesse on 12.5mg Clindamycin Hydrocloride Drops for the infection and
instructed he should recieve this 2 times a day for 10 days. He also
said that giving him Pred would dimish the effectiveness of the
antibiotic and not give it to him while on the antibiotic. We put
Jesse on strictly a baby food diet to remove the grains from his
diet. The vet also did some basic tests and Jesse still has feeling
in his legs and feet. He can move them but cannot use his hind end
muscles. Vet said we probably would not see any improvement in Jesse
for at least 3 weeks and suggested that if he never regains use of
his back end that we put him down. NOT going to happen if he is not
in pain!
Now, the vet I use did NOT do a culture of the infection or ulcers,
he said he sees a lot of this kind of infection with bad dental
issues. I am not sure why I didn't ask for it, guess I was just too
freaked out when he said "infection of the spinal cord" to think
straight. When we first took him into the vet, the area on his spinal
cord could be felt but not seen. Now it is very visible. I believe I
have seen some improvement. I can sit him up and he can hold the
position without falling over. He seems in good spirits and still
loves to get out and play dragging his hind end. Jesse can now curl
up in a ball to sleep where last week he could not.
I do not think my vet is ferret knowledgeable enough to just do a
biopsy of the infection. There are no truly ferret knowledgeable vets
within about a 3 hour drive (I'd have to go to KY). What kind of
culture should I ask for? Who should it be sent to for the most
accurate diagnosis of the infection? Can I put Jesse back on the pred
to help control his BG or should I keep him off of it while on the
antibiotic? I am worried that he is crashing and it's getting more
difficult to manage.
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