From:
TheRagans@aol.com
Date: 2009-11-06 04:04:20 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Oreo: Adenoids, Pancreas, both or something else? Dx help
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hello:
I am new to this list and grateful to have found it.
We adopted Oreo (spayed female) from a family approx. 6.5 years ago as a
"young ferret." Her diet has been Iams kitten kibble ever since.
Beginning about a year ago, she would have short periods of anorexia, then
return to normal eating. For as long as I can recall, she would always
tremble when we first picked her up - we thought she was just excited, as the
trembling would cease within a few minutes. Also always been a rather itchy
little ball of fur (1.5 pounds).
2 months ago anorexia continued for 2 days. Wanted to eat kibble, seemed
to have trouble chewing. Very lethargic. Quit eating or drinking. Vet
hydrated at office, rx'd prednisolone 0.3 ml once daily, 3 mg/ml and force
feeding of Oxbow Carnivore Care Professional.
Not much forcing required. She loves the stuff.
Next evening found prolapsed rectum. Emergency vet diagnosis: clostridial
entritis via stool exam. Extreme hind limb weakness noted at this time. ER
vet Rx: Metronidazole 2x daily, 10 days and discontinue Prednisolone
during antibiotic therapy.
Consult with regular vet at conclusion of antibiotic. Rx 0.3 ml 3mg/ml
prednisolone once daily (rectum still prolapsed).
She gained weight back quickly and seemed to be recuperating though
developed vocalizations during litter time (defecation or urination).
Preparation H to relieve rectal discomfort until prolapse resolved. Worked to get
her back on kibble. No go. Ordered Wysong goodies. No go. Tried every
trick in the book. No go. Best I can manage is 50-50 Carnivore Care/ Gerber
chicken with a dash of FerreTone and FerretVite. She's lost most of the
hair on her tail (gone since the beginning of this illness), and is starting
to lose hair on her trunk.
Back to regular vet this week. Blood work indicated very mild
dehydration, glucose at 79 about 2.5 hours after feeding. Kidney function looked
normal. Changed Rx to Prednisolone 0.2 mg twice daily, 3mg/kg. After 3 days, no
change, changed Rx to 0.2 mg prednisolone 5mg/ml twice daily. Vet says
this is pretty high dose for her.
Hind limb weakness persists, no hair re-growth noted on tail. Very sleepy
girl. Litter box vocalizations continue. Generally vocaizing much more
than ever before. The tiniest bit of anything in her gruel causes her to
chew as if there were an entire chicken wing in her mouth.
My vet is just wonderful, but has few ferret patients. She performs only
2-3 ferret surgeries per year. I am looking for the best course of action
for Oreo. Vet wants another 3 hour fasting blood glucose to either confirm
or exclude insulinoma, but I am thinking this little gal needs surgery -
either pancreas, adenoids or both and sooner rather than later. If Oreo
does need surgery, I will be seeking another DVM with more experience (maybe in
the Chicago or Indianapolis area?) so I can sleep at night no matter the
outcome.
I am deeply concerned about what's going on with our sweet little stinky
slinky and don't really know where to turn for expert help. I am therefore
deeply grateful to have found this list and covet your responses.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Tamera - South Bend, Indiana
Oreo's Mom
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