From:
"Ruth"
Date: 2009-05-13 16:20:34 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Screaming seizures, fluidy lungs - unknown cause
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
(I removed the vet's contact info and added more info - Ruth)
My ferret, Sid has some troubles. He's a MF, 5 years old and runs 3 to 4
pounds.
Current on vaccinations.
Wednesday 5/6, after I fed them my chicken gravy, I found him with bloody
foam at his mouth and vigorous mouth pawing.. I checked for obstructions in
his mouth and any obvious injuries. There were spots of regurgitated food
around. Their bowl of kibble had some blood in it, also.
Sid, also, was pulling/curling his upper muzzle up, baring his teeth. His
entire mouth, feet and skin, were beet red.
My regular vet was out, so we saw another. She did blood work. And said his
WBC was high - 13.2 and was slightly anemic HCT 44.3. HGB 17.9. Glucose was
106. Weight was 3.06lbs.
http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/klutzyruth/Sid/?action=view¤t=may_6.jpg
A scan of the results.
She did observe the bloody froth and fresh blood on his tongue. Difficulty
in breathing was observed. X-rays showed gas in the intestine, but nothing
else remarkable. Possible diagnosis: tummy trouble. Medicines prescribed:
Metronidazole, Pred, Amoxi and sub-q fluids - 25 ccs twice a day.
Thursday morning, I gave him some mineral oil because he has been a paper
eater in the past, although, I could find no signs of chewed paper. He ate
gravy with carnivore care in it, but that resulted in a bloody mouth and
mouth pawing. 25 cc of fluids and meds given. He slept. Later that
afternoon, he added an extremely snotty nose to the mix. He also had mucous
in his mouth. I consulted the vet and gave him Benadryl. By them time of
evening meds & fluids, he was clear of discharges. Muzzle & head are
enlarged. We propped him up in a cuddle bed and he slept the night.
Friday, he had a screaming seizure at 5:30 am. A .02 injection of Dex was
given along with sugar water. Off to the vets(my regular one). He had at
least 5 screaming seizures and as many posturing displays. Head and neck,
bent back toward the spine. I don't have the numbers from that blood work,
but x-rays showed cloudy lungs and the vet heard gurgling.
He also has a bad tooth. She also mentioned that his lipids were
high. Possible diagnosis: influenza, due to the fact that my husband had
recently been sick and infection, possibly from the bad tooth. The seizures
were attributed to an oxygen starved brain and fluid filled lungs.
Stopped sub q fluids, stopped metronidazole & amoxi. Added lasix and
injectable baytril. Injectable valium was added as needed for seizures.
He still was eating chicken gravy. He had seizures at noon and at 6pm.
Valium was injected both times and halted seizures. Unless we prop him up,
he ends up gasping for breath. Extremities still dark red.
Saturday, he ate gravy & carnivore care. Mouth pawing. By 5pm he was eating
gravy and drinking water without pawing his mouth. He also got out of bed and went potty.
He was very weak in the hind legs.
Extremities still dark red.
Sunday. Overnight, he got up, pottied & ate gravy. Ate, pottied and slept.
Got medicines.
Extremities still dark red.
Monday. Was trying to move around more. Would wobble walk.Good appetite.
Ate the same kibble that they have been eating for weeks.
At 10:30pm he had a screaming seizure. Got a valium. At12:30am was up going
potty.
Tuesday. Fed gravy. Seizure immediately. Vomited gravy. Valium given. Back
to vets.
X-rays showed some clearing of the lungs. Blood work: WBC11.1 HCT 53.7
HGB increased to 20.3 Glucose 104 Weight 3.00 lbs.
http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/klutzyruth/Sid/?action=view¤t=may_12.jpg
Scan of the results.
Possible diagnoses: Still influenza and infection.
His extremities are still dark red. His breathing is still troubled. No
coughing or sneezing, but many yawns and curled lip breathing.
Current medicines: .2 baytril, injected once a day. .4 amoxi, twice a day. .2
lasix, twice a day. Valium, .2 injected IM as needed for seizures.
As of 8pm Tuesday, I think he tried to have two more seizures. There was
hissing and tail poofing, but I got him upright against my shoulder and
raked my nails up & down his spine until it passed.
Wednesday. No seizures. Ate several ounces of gravy. Sleeping in regular ferret positions.
Breathing is easier. Foot pads are not as dark red. Still lethargic and weak, but will get up and go potty in the corner.
Any thoughts? Suggestions?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Ruth
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