From:
Christina Bernhard
Date: 2009-06-04 07:37:42 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Sick ferrets in Australia
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
=C2=A0
Dear Ferret People,
Another try!
Christina
TIME LINE FOR SICK FERRETSEarly March 2009: Chirpy went off his food for 2-=
3 days and then only ate small amounts for a few more days. Gave him Nutrig=
el to try to supplement his food. Has recovered and suffered no other sympt=
oms.
=C2=A022 March 2009:
=C2=A0That afternoon on 23 March
=C2=A0Oliver
=C2=A05 April 2009: Reggie and Thug both off their food and Reggie appeared=
slightly disorientated when walking around his cage (almost as if he had a=
stroke). No other symptoms apparent at this stage. Next day both ferrets a=
re very lethargic, crying and felt swollen under the rib cage area. Both fe=
rrets taken to the vet. Both ferrets commenced seizures while at the vet an=
d were given Pamlin injections and placed in humidicrib with oxygen therapy=
. Allowed to take ferrets home in the humidicrib. Later that night Reggie s=
uffered further seizures and Pamlin did not appear to have any affect. He w=
as taken to the after hours centre. Was given Dexamethasone injection and l=
ater methadone and diazepam. Thug remained at home and he suffered a furthe=
r seizure during the night and was administered Pamlin and he settled down.=
Both ferrets taken back to our normal vet in the
morning on 7 April. Reggie suffered respiratory arrest and had trouble brea=
thing even while on oxygen. Decision was made to euthanise him due to suffe=
ring. Thug made some improvement and even ate some food while at the vet. L=
ater that afternoon he relapsed and suffered respiratory arrest and further=
seizures. He was also euthanised as he was suffering. Autopsy completed on=
Thug with no definite cause found.
=C2=A09 April 2009: Willow and Angel are now not eating and both feel swoll=
en under the rib cage and Angel is making crying noises. No seizures or tro=
uble breathing. Gave both ferrets Catlax (in case of furballs or small bloc=
kage) and Nutrigel. Both ferrets recovered within a few days.10-11 April 20=
09: Toffee who shared a cage with Reggie is off her food. No other symptoms=
apparent. Unsure if this was related (to a virus?) or just caused by old a=
ge (7 =C2=BD) or possible grieving over losing her cage mate. She has now r=
ecovered and is eating again.
=C2=A0
Around the same time Roy also off his food. He is situated in the cage next=
to where Oliver was housed and opposite Reggie. Roy has now recovered.
=C2=A030 April 2009: Arrived home from work and checked on ferrets. Ringin =
found having seizure. No other symptoms apparent. Taken to vet and was give=
n Pamlin and dolorex. Placed on oxygen and her O2 levels went up to 100%. S=
he was then transferred to the after hours centre. She went into respirator=
y arrest around midnight and was revived with chest compressions, however, =
remained non-responsive to her environment. Decision was made to euthanise =
as the vet advised she was suffering and gave her a poor prognosis. shared =
his cage with 2 other ferrets (Willow and Angel).checked on ferrets after a=
rriving home from work. He was lying on his side unable to right himself. H=
ad traces of blood coming from mouth and bottom. His breathing was irregula=
r (taking deep breaths and then shallow breaths). Removed him from cage to =
take to the vets but as I moved him he took his last couple of breaths and =
passed away before we were able to take him to the vet. At the time we
believed that he possibly had a tumour which caused his death.Ferret affec=
ted was Oliver (male sable approx 18 months old). Went off his food and was=
quiet and withdrawn. Did not show any other symptoms at this stage. Next m=
orning he was still quiet and not interested in eating. =C2=A0During the pe=
riod 12 April to 30 April 2009
=C2=A012 May 2009: Poco was the next ferret to be taken to the vet. She was=
very lethargic and not eating properly. She was also cold to touch. Had be=
en a bit flat for a couple of days prior to this but nothing unlike the oth=
er ferrets had experienced. Was again transferred to the after hours clinic=
who administered IV fluids and antibiotics. Poco suffered diarrhoea whilst=
at the vets. She proceeded to brighten up during the night and ate food th=
at was offered to her. Was transferred back to our normal vet the next morn=
ing and continued on IV fluids and was kept in the humidicrib to keep her w=
arm. Poco was sent home on 13 May 2009 with antibiotics and has recovered w=
ell. Has now regained weight lost during illness. Both ferrets that she was=
housed with have not suffered any ill signs at all.
=C2=A024 May 2009: Bella is now flat and not eating properly. Just monitori=
ng at this stage.
=C2=A0Next day 25 May 2009
our normal vets. Continued on antibiotics and body temperature reverted to =
normal. However, she did not pick up at all despite the antibiotics. Develo=
ped a cough and passed away on 27 May 2009 after suffering a severe coughin=
g fit. The gross post mortem has revealed that she had pneumonia and they a=
re now growing cultures to find the cause of this.
The ferrets that were housed in the same cage as Ringin and Bella remain we=
ll.
=C2=A0
All the ferrets are housed outdoors and can only be handled by us. All cage=
s are padlocked and are in our back yard. They have a separate play area, w=
hich is used by all the ferrets whilst their cages are being cleaned. Only =
those ferrets that are housed together are placed in the play area at one t=
ime (to avoid fighting). Since both Reggie and Thug died all our ferrets ha=
ve been in quarantine and no ferrets have left our yard other than to go to=
the vets.
Other animals that are in our yard with free range are the two dogs and our=
cat. The cat does not go anywhere near the ferrets as I think she got bitt=
en when she was a kitten. All our other animals are housed in aviaries outs=
ide. These include a ring-tailed possum, two potoroos, squirrel gliders and=
northern gliders. We also have birds located in aviaries outside.
=C2=A0
We use different brushes to scrub out water bowls etc for the other animals=
to what are used for the ferrets.
Unfortunately we have been unable to quarantine the ferrets that are well f=
rom those who have been sick, as the illness seems to strike at random. Als=
o as we have been unable to find a cause not sure on what prevention we can=
take.---------------------------------------------------------------------=
-----------------------------------arrived home from work and her eyes were=
stuck together with sleep. Taken to the vet and her body temperature was h=
igh 41.9. Also had high blood glucose level. Again taken to the after hours=
clinic for monitoring. Was given antibiotics and saline fluids. Transferre=
d back tomajority of the ferrets went off their food for a couple of days a=
nd were withdrawn. No other symptoms experienced. All have now recovered an=
d have regained any condition that they lost during the period they were of=
f their food. Ferrets housed in the same cage did not fall ill together and=
in the case of Reggie and Thug their cages were not situated in
close proximity to each other.Further to my previous email we have also fo=
und that guinea pigs also appear to be dying from the same conditions. We d=
on't have guinea pigs ourselves but my husband's niece breeds them and she =
has lost a couple of them with the seizures and respiratory arrest problem.=
Several members of the club that she belongs to have also reported the sam=
e problem. Unsure of the number of animals affected by this. --------------=
---------------------------------------------------------------------------=
------------------------------------
=C2=A0Ferrets in the Business25/05/20091. Willow 2. Angel 3. Jet 4. Thor 5.=
Toffee 6. Roy 7. Rip 8. =E2=80=93 Female black eyed white entire =E2=80=93=
6 months old =E2=80=93 has just today gone off her food and is quiet =E2=
=80=93 will monitor closely.Cindl 9. Bella 10. Sierra- 11. =E2=80=93 Male s=
ilver mitt entire =E2=80=93 4 =C2=BD years old - went off food for 2 =E2=80=
=93 3 days and again was quiet and withdrawn.Mickey 12. Smudge 13. Chirpy 1=
4. Milo 15. Poco 16. Yeti 17.
Both Yeti and Smudge have ruby eyes rather than the traditional black eyes.=
=E2=80=93 Male sable vascetomised =E2=80=93 1 =C2=BD years old =E2=80=93 We=
nt off food and developed swelling under the rib cage and the crying in pai=
n. Lost all condition within 24 hours. Died before we could seek veterinary=
assistance. Did not have seizures and had bleeding from the mouth and rear=
end. We believed that it was a tumour that had burst. Given his historyRap=
hael THE ONES NO LONGER WITH US1.
we did not take it any further. Oliver was one of the kits with the twisted=
necks. He was the first one to die. We then lost Reggie and Thug just over=
2 weeks after this.Oliver 2. Reggie 3. Thug 4.
=C2=A0Ferrets - statistic 31st May 2009
Total number before the =E2=80=98disease=E2=80=99 struck - 21 ferrets
Black-eyed white - 7
Coloured - 13
Albino - 1
=C2=A0
Total number today ( 31st May 2009) - 16 ferret
Black-eyed white - 3
Coloured - 12
Albino -1
___________________________________________________________________________=
_______________________________________________________________Total not af=
fected - 4
3 - coloured
1 - Black eyed white
=C2=A0Total affected but recovered - 12
9 - coloured
1 - albino
2 - Black-eyed white
=C2=A0Total affected but did NOT survive - 5
1 - coloured
4 - Black-eyed white
_____________________________________________________________________
Sexes and ages equally affected.
=C2=A0GROSS PATHOLOGY REPORT (Ferret Thug)8
Species: Ferret, age 4 =C2=BD years, intact male, coat colour: black-eyed-w=
hite, name:
Thug.
History
Several of 20 ferrets showing signs of weakness, bloating, abdominal pain, =
agonal
gasping. ?toxin, viral, other.
Gross Post Mortem.
Gross Pathology
Presented was an entire male white ferret in good body condition. There are=
large
amounts of subcutaneous fat and as well as intra-abdominal fat in the carca=
ss. The
animal has a moderate periodontal disease, with several teeth being loose, =
and most
teeth coated with thick calculous.
On opening the carcass the lungs are mildly mottled a pink dark red colour.=
The heart
is round in shape, but no other abnormalities are noticed in the chest.
The abdominal cavity is opened and no abnormal findings are revealed. The s=
tomach
contains a brown thin fluid, and the faecal material is of a thick toothpas=
te brown
consistency. Both kidneys are mildly mottled however.
Conclusion
Open diagnosis.
Comments
A urine sample was taken and the urine specific gravity was 1.035. A number=
of
samples were taken. All organ systems were sampled including the brain and =
placed in
Formalin. As well fresh liver, kidney and lung have been refrigerated, and =
urine has
also been collected.
There is nothing to reveal the cause of the clinical signs on gross post mo=
rtem. It was
suggested that histopathology to be undertaken to try and reveal any organi=
c disease.
To test for specific toxins urine, liver and kidney have been kept.
=C2=A0th April 2009HISTOPATHOLOGY FROM NECROPSY (Ferret Thug)9
Clinical History
See previous gross post mortem. Several of a group of 20 ferrets showing si=
gns of
weakness, bloating, abdominal pain and agonal gasping. ?viral toxic other.
Macroscopy
Various organs taken at gross post mortem - kidney, liver, obex, middle cer=
ebella,
peduncle, spleen, thyroid, duodenum, rostral colliculus, thalamus, lung, he=
art, tongue,
small intestine, and skeletal muscle.
Microscopy
Kidney: Diffusely, glomeruli exhibit varying degree of one or more of the f=
ollowing
changes: thickening of capillary basement membranes and mesangium with
eosinophilic hyaline to fibrillar material with occasional reduction in glo=
merular tuft
cellularity; thickening of Bowman=E2=80=99s capsule with sparse mineralisat=
ion; mild
hyperplasia of parietal epithelium; synechiae; or occasional replacement by
hypocellular collagen with shrinkage and obsolescence of the glomerular tuf=
t
(glomerulosclerosis). Multifocally, cortical tubules exhibit mild vacuolar =
swelling and
degeneration of epithelial cells, with very occasional individual cell necr=
osis. Tubular
cells sometimes contain granular to globular golden-brown cytoplasmic pigme=
nt
(haemosiderin and/or bilirubin)/ Occasional tubules are ectatic, lined be a=
ttenuated
epithelium and filled with homogenous eosinophilic proteinaceous fluid. Rar=
e tubules
contain small amounts of mineral and/or oxalate crystals. Multifocally, the
interstitium contains small numbers of lymphocytes and rare plasma cells.
Liver: Lobular architecture is intact. Diffusely, hepatocytes exhibit mild =
vacuolar
change with pale feathery cytoplasm. Few hepatocytes contain discrete round=
clear
cytoplasmic vacuoles (lipid vacuolation). Multifocally, portal tracts conta=
in small
numbers of lymphocytes and few RBC precursors (extramedullary haematopoiesi=
s)
Multifocally, haemosiderin-laden macrophages form small clusters within sin=
usoids
(pigment granulomas), or are scattered within portal connective tissue. Dif=
fusely, there
is moderate congestion.
Spleen: The red pulp is diffusely congested. There is moderate extramedulla=
ry
haematopoiesis with prominent megakaryocytes and megakaryoblasts. Lymphobla=
sts
and macrophages outline sinusoids and trabeculae. White pulp is intact and =
appears
generally unremarkable.
Thyroid gland: Diffusely, there is mild to moderate vascular congestion; no=
other
significant findings.
Brain (cerebellum, obex, rostral colliculus, thalamus, cerebral cortex):Occ=
asional
spongiotic vacuoles are present in white matter tracts, mostly within the c=
erebellar
folia. Occasional neural cell bodies contain discrete perinuclear aggregate=
s of pale
golden pigment (lipofuscin). Rarely within the leptomeninges, there are sma=
ll
psammoma-like bodies, composed of concentric lamellae of pale basophilic
mineralised material, surrounded by concentric collagen fibres, and occasio=
nal
macrophages. Rarely, small clusters of lymphocytes are also present. Within=
the
thalamus, there are rare shrunken and hypereosinophilic neurons with pyknot=
ic nuclei
(degeneration/necrosis).
Small intestine/pancreas: There is autolytic sloughing of the superficial m=
ucosa.
Multifocally, the lamina propria is mildly expanded by increased amounts of=
hyalines
collagen that occasionally separates adjacent crypts (fibrosis) The lamina =
propria
contains low numbers of lymphocytes, plasma cells and scattered eosinophils=
.
Occasional crypts appear mildly hyperplastic, and in one section, rare cryp=
ts are
ectatic and contain sparse eosinophilic flocculent material and few degener=
ate cell
nuclei.
Lung: Diffusely, there is moderate to marked congestion. Multifocally, alve=
olar
airspaces are collapsed with increased proximity of septa (atelectasis), of=
ten
accompanied by mild flooding of alveoli with pale eosinophilic oedema fluid=
. These
changes are most prominent within the subpleural stroma. Multifocally bronc=
hiolar
lumina contain amorphous particulate globules of pale basophilic to amphoph=
ilic
proteinaceous material (aspirated medication??). Bronchioles also contain s=
cant
oedema and few small eosinophilic protein globules. Multifocally, there is =
mild
perivascular anthracosis.
Skeletal muscle: No significant findings.
Heart: No significant findings.
Diagnosis:
1. Kidney: Glomerulonephritis, membranous, segmental to global, diffuse, ch=
ronic,
moderate, with mild tubular degeneration/ectasia and minimal lymphocytic in=
terstitial
nephritis.
2. Lung: congestion, diffuse, moderate to marked, with oedema and mild atel=
ectasis.
3. Small intestine: mucosal fibrosis, diffuse, chronic, mild, with minimal =
to mild
lymphocytic and eosinophilic enteritis.
4. Spleen: Congestion, moderate, with extramedullary haematopoiesis.
Comments:
Pulmonary congestion and oedema are common non-specific =E2=80=98agonal=E2=
=80=99 changes;
similarly, splenic congestion occurs with splanchnic pooling associated wit=
h terminal
vasodilation/loss of vasculare and failing cardiac output.
The glomerulonephritis is a reasonably significant histopathological findin=
g, but most
likely to be incidental and not directly related to illness/death within th=
ese animal.
Chronic glomerulonephritis often develops secondary to diseases associated =
with
prolonged antigenaemia e.g. chronic infection, endoparasitism, or immune-me=
diated
disease.
However, glomerulosclerosis and chronic interstitial fibrosis are common ag=
e-related
changes observed in ferrets, often as incidental and subclinical lesions. E=
arly changes
are typically present from 2 years onward, and marked changes can lead to r=
enal
failure by 4-5 years. The finding hypersthenuria suggests intact renal tubu=
lar
concentrating ability advanced primary glomerular disease is more likely to=
be
associated with proteinuria/nephrotic syndrome.
There is evidence of mild intestinal mucosal fibrosis, possibly reflecting =
a previous
insult, or, more likely to be the product of chronic enteritis e.g. inflamm=
atory bowel
disease, also a common finding in middle-aged to older ferrets. I think it =
unlikely that
this change would be associated with the abdominal pain/bloating described,=
and the
degree of inflammatory cell infiltration into the mucosa was only mild.
Overall, there are no histopathological features to indicate a specific dis=
ease process
or obvious cause of death in this animal. There is no evidence to suggest v=
iral
infection e.g. distemper, or other systemic infectious agents.
As per the gross necropsy report fresh tissue has been retained should furt=
her
investigation be required e.g., toxicology12th May 2009Emergency Consultati=
on Summary (ferret Poco)Re: Poco a 2 year old ferret
History:
Poco presented on 12
Acutely unwell today
Fine over weekend, fed early this morning.
Owner came home tonight and pet has not eaten and is very flat. Diarrhoea a=
nd blood samples taken for
testing.
Pet has lost weight since weekend owner feels. Was in good condition then w=
hen handled.
Fresh foods - chicken wings, necks, mince, roo meat and mince, lanb meat an=
d mince, beet meat and
mince, cat dry, lactose free milk and bread occasionally.
Housed with 2 males which are fine currently. Has not lost any co-habituati=
ng animals from those that
have died (has had 4 ferrets die in last few months).
Prior to first ferret becoming unwell and dying (several weeks prior? Owner=
did adopt another ferret
from off his property. This ferret remained well.th May 2009 at 18;48 with =
the following problems:=C2=A0Ferrets that died had respiratory and neurolog=
ical signs.BG 7.6mM, PVC 62%Subjective left shift and neutrophilia with tox=
ic changeAlkP 86 (9-84)ALT 522 (82-289)Urea >46.4 (3.6-16)Creatinine invali=
dTP 72 (52-73)Alb 25 (26-38)Glob 47 (18-31)PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
>Weight: 0.620 kg, 1.36 lb, 0.07 m2 Body Condition Score 3/9
>Temperature: 36.3: pulse: 240/regular; respiration: 24.
>Temperament: dull/depressed.
>Skin: nad, poor coat condition.
>Skeletal: nad, weight loss.
>Cardiovascular: nad.
>Respiratory: nad.
>Gastrointestinal: doughy dull feeling abdomen.
>Genitourinary: liquid brown diarrhoea when handled.
>Neuromuscular: nad.
>Eyes: nad.
>Ears: nad
>Dental Score: 0/4
Other comments: gums pink, crt 1s.
ASSESSMENT:
Acute illness/diarrhoea - previous ferrets have died with neurological symp=
toms.
PROCEDURES:
>Placed 25G catheter LFL cephalic and and started IV fluids 3mL/hr.
B Glu 5.4mM and PCV/TP 63/78 at admission.
Administered amoxy/clavulanate injection 0.04mL SC, metronidazole 12.5mg sl=
ow IV, and bismuth
Subsalicyclate 11mg PO as triple therapy coverage.
ASSESSMENT:
Patient is brighter and more active in cage, ate chicken readily when offer=
ed. Ongoing diarrhoea during
the night.
6:30am
Ferret is quite bright. Showing interest in food but not eating much at all=
. Ferret is rolling on back to get
her belly rubbed. Seems a little ataxic. Still producing a small amount of =
green diarrhoea.
PLAN:
Ongoing management.
Multiple animals affected in short period of time makes infectious aetiolog=
y more likely.
(There is more - not transcribed yet)
=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=C2=A0
Emails supporting the timeline
=C2=A0Subject: For information the ferrets had a blood test and x-rays prio=
r to death and both showed nothing. However, I am not sure what the blood w=
as tested for. Subject: I don't believe that the ferrets were tested for th=
e snail baits, however, neither of our neighbours use snail bait as they ha=
ve cats and dogs in their yards. However, having said that if we need to ta=
ke another of the ferrets to the vets I will make sure to mention it to the=
m. Subject: RE: Your ferretsDate: Mon, May 18, 2009 10:03 amI am still work=
ing on sending you the list of our ferrets.
We recently had one of our ferrets (Poco) take ill last week. She was off
her food for a couple of days and we separated her. She then developed
diarrhoea and looked very miserable. We took her to the vets on Tuesday
night who took blood tests and both the liver and kidney results were off
the charts and indicated organ failure. Her body temperature was also low.
She then went to the after hours clinic who put her on a drip and gave her
three different types of broad spectrum antibiotics. She brightened up over
night and went back to our usual vet on Wednesday morning. She then
proceeded to improve and was feeling so much better that she attempted an
escape from the humidicrib she was in.
They did another blood test on Wednesday afternoon and all levels had
returned back to normal and we were allowed to take her home.
She has continued to improve and is still on antibiotics and has actually
gained weight since her illness.
Another blood test was taken on Saturday (still waiting for the results) to
check to ensure that the levels are still normal.
Once again the vets are completely baffled and have no idea what is wrong
with them.Subject: RE: Your ferretsDate: Thu, May 21, 2009 6:09 am=C2=A0
Distemper was the one thing that we had thought of as well.
However, from what we have been told by the vets they have ruled this out
with blood tests and autopsy.
Wasps were also one of the early culprits which were also discounted and
since the rain and colder weather has come in they have practically
disappeared.
Poco's blood tests came back with raised urea and cretanin levels. As she i=
s bright enough in herself the vets do not appear to be all
that concerned about the results, however, she is booked in for another
blood test on Friday night.
Will speak to the vet on Friday to get copies of the blood test results fro=
m
Poco and also the initial blood tests from Reggie.
Will also mention to the vet about the Helicobacter mustelae infection
suggested by James and Bev.
The issues with the ferrets have been discussed at our meetings and we will
arrange with Geoff to have a story in the newsletter. Unfortunately will
not be in time for this month's newsletter. Hopefully we will also have a
result to be able to publish as well.
=C2=A0Subject: RE: Ferret PocoDate: Sat, May 23, 2009 10:20 am=C2=A0
Got the results and reports from the vet clinics. However, they are in hard
copy so will need to have them scanned to send them to you or will need to
type out the relevant details. Unfortunately my scanner has decided to up
and die. There are about 6 pages (some double sided) of information so it
may be easier just to type out the relevant pieces.
Poco is going extremely well and finishes her antibiotics today.
No blood tests were taken last night as the vet advised that she looked oka=
y
and all her vital signs were good. (Unfortunately this was the same vet
that told us she was going to die when we initially took her to the vet).
The vets are happy to have any of the other vets contact them to discuss.Su=
bject: FerretsDate: Mon, May 25, 2009 5:51 amHere is the list of our ferret=
s as requested. Most of them seem to have
been affected by something that causes them to go off their food for 2 - 3
days and become withdrawn.
They have all recovered from this mystery illness and have all regained any
condition they lost during their illness.
Chirpy was the first one to come down with this and he went off his food fo=
r
2 - 3 days and even after that only ate a small amount. He did lose a
significant amount of weight (which he needed to do anyway) but has
recovered well and has gained weight to a normal level. He was quite portly
when he came to live with us. He was a stray that came in from the local
vet clinic in December last year.
Not sure if he was the one that could possibly have been carrying this viru=
s
to start with.Subject: Update on FerretsDate: Tue, May 26, 2009 1:50 pm=C2=
=A0
Further to my list sent yesterday we had to take Bella to the vets last
night as she was still off her food from Sunday.
She has developed breathing difficulties over night and had her eyes stuck
together with sleep.
Was slightly dehydrated, had a high temperature and high glucose levels.
Vets have today taken x-rays of her lungs and blood tests which have been
sent to the lab.
The vets can her a slight gurgling in her lungs and are just waiting to
develop the x-rays.
She is currently receiving 3 types of antibiotics and is on oxygen therapy.
Will keep you informed of her progress and will obtain copies of the blood
tests together with diagnosis from the x-rays.
This could possibly be related to the others with the breathing issues and
seizures.
Still not sure if it is the same thing as what Poco had with different
symptoms or if it is something different we are dealing with.Subject: RE: U=
pdate on FerretsDate: Thu, May 28, 2009 6:57 am=C2=A0
Unfortunately Bella passed away yesterday. We are currently having a
further autopsy done on her to see if we can get some answers as to what is
going on.
The x-rays didn't show anything and the blood tests revealed nothing out of
the ordinary.
All kidney and liver function levels were normal. Her glucose levels had
also gone back to within the normal range with her second lot of blood
tests.
Her temperature had reduced back to within normal levels, but she just did
not pick up even with the antibiotics and oxygen therapy.
She developed a nasty cough and the vets were concerned about this as it di=
d
not improve with the antibiotics and was getting worse.
They had her on an IV drip and she was refusing to eat and was only drinkin=
g
nominal amounts.
She then had a severe coughing fit and her heart just stopped.
Once we have the results from the post mortem will forward this to you
together with the results from the blood tests as well.
=C2=A0Subject: RE: Ainslie ferretDate: Fri, May 29, 2009 6:03 amAinslie [di=
ed about one month ago] was one from Poco and Reggie's litter. She was a bl=
ack eyed white. Have also found out last night that another one of the
litter died approximately 2 weeks ago. She was also a black eyed white.
Her symptoms sound very similar to what Poco had. She was dehydrated and
very lethargic. She also developed diarrhoea. Was given IV fluids and
started on antibiotics. She started to brighten up but then relapsed and
was not taken back to the vet.
We kept 2 of Poco and Reggie's babies being Yeti and Raphael. Both have not
been affected by any illness at this time. Yeti is a black eyed white boy
and Raphael is a chocolate mitt boy.
We are not aware of any heartworm in our area.Date: Fri, May 29, 2009 9:31 =
amNot sure about this. We certainly don't breed for colour or size. We
concentrate on good temperaments.
We probably have larger ferrets rather than the smaller ones.
Why this would suddenly start happening is rather strange as well as we had
previously used both Reggie and Thug for breeding without any incidents.Dat=
e: Fri, May 29, 2009 10:21 amHopefully we should have the pathology results=
(Bella=E2=80=99s who died a few days ago) by early next week.
Although I think it is probably what Bev has suggested in that Bella had a
flu type virus, although neither John or I have been sick with it. Unsure
as to where she would have picked this up from as all our ferrets have been
in quarantine since we lost Thug and Reggie.
Due to only being a young ferret possibly her immune system may not have
been as strong as it needed to be. Date: Mon, June 1, 2009 12:26 pmThe vets=
were supposed to give me the results of the blood tests from
Reggie. I will chase these up together with Bella's results.
I don't think they did bloods on Thug as they both had the same symptoms an=
d
they only got blood from Reggie at the after hours clinic.Just for informat=
ion we found out on the weekend that our niece has had
what sounds very similar to what has been happening with the ferrets to her=
guinea pigs as well.
The club that she belongs to has also reported the same symptoms with
several other members.
They have apparently been having seizures and breathing difficulties as
well. Again no-one seems to know what it is.
If this is the same thing then who knows what other species this virus can
affect.
Thanks once again for all your help with this.RE: ThugDate: Fri, May 1, 200=
9 9:58 am=C2=A0
We have no issues with the neighbours so no chance of any poisoning there.
Have also found out that the vets tested for organic phosphate poisoning as
this was one of their first thoughts as well. Nothing there.
It is all very puzzling. Just as we thought we were out of the woods we
lost Ringin last night to the same thing.
She showed no symptoms at all prior to the commencement of seizures. John
fed her yesterday morning and she was fine. She had been eating okay. When
we got home from work and checked the ferrets she was in the aftermath of
having a seizure and was bent backwards with her head touching her bottom
and was stiff (almost paralysed).
We took her to the vets and they gave her Panalan to relax her. Her
temperature was normal and her blood glucose levels were also normal.
We received a phone call from the vets at around midnight to say that she
had suffered more seizures and requested permission to put her to sleep as
they did not believe that she would survive another seizure.
I am on leave next week so will follow up with obtaining permission to have
results posted on the forum.
For information Ringin was an intact female approx 3 1/2 years old. Not
sure if this is relevant but all 3 ferrets that have died have been black
eyed whites.
=C2=A0
=C2=A0Subject: RE: ThugDate: Sat, May 2, 2009 6:08 amThe ferrets get fed fr=
esh meat - all good quality. It is chicken mince, roo
mince and beef mince. They occasionally get fed chicken necks or wings.
Although they have not had them for some time now due to the European Wasps=
.
No dry food (they just throw that out and then the dogs eat them).
Have spoken to the vet and they have no problem with placing the informatio=
n
on the forum and are obtaining permission from the pathologists for me.
Not sure if this is relevant (and the vets don't think it is related) but
our dog had gastro just before Thug and Reggie got sick.
=C2=A0Subject: Re:Date: Thu, May 7, 2009 9:40 am=C2=A0
The brain was not tested for any viruses or neurological disorders. One of
the vets at the emergency after hours service suggested that if we have
another case then it may be worth having an MRI scan done to see if anythin=
g
shows up and if the ferret dies then to have the brain tested for any
viruses.
In reply to Stephanie's question both Thug and Ringin were related (same
parents, but from different litters).
Reggie was not related to either of them. He came over from Western
Australia to give us a different blood line.
Both ferrets that showed signs of the same thing were both sables. In
Angel's case she is related to both Ringin and Thug. The other ferret was a
stray that came into us late last year.
Since then we have had about three other ferrets that have gone off their
food for a number of days. All were treated with Catlax and Nutrigel. Of
those three, two are cinnamons and the other is a black eyed white (again
another stray) and to our knowledge not related to any of ours.
May 11th 2009RE: Ferret ThugDate: Wed, April 22, 2009 6:58 am=C2=A0
Both Reggie and Thug were in good condition prior to falling ill. Both
ferrets were intact males approx 4 1/2 years old. Fur was in normal
condition for this time of year.
Both ferrets experienced loss of appetite a day or two before developing
their symptoms,
Nothing appeared abnormal until they developing the crying (in pain) and th=
e
swelling around the rib cage area. They then further developed the
breathing problem and even with oxygen therapy at the vets they were still
turning blue and getting very distressed.
The decision was then made to put them to sleep.
Reggie was the first to go and his symptoms seemed to be slightly more
advanced than Thug's. Reggie at first appeared as if he had had a stroke.
He was initially just wandering around his cage as if he didn't know where
he was.
=C2=A0
=C2=A0Subject: RE: ThugDate: Thu, April 23, 2009 11:12 amWe had a couple of=
other ferrets go off their food and making strange noises
and they also appeared to have swelling under their rib cage area.
I dosed them with cat laxatives (in case of fur balls) and then fed them
Nutrigel which they loved.
They are both fine now. One was a female ferret approx 2 1/2 years old
(Angel, who is Herbie and Rosie's sister). She was the first one to develop
symptoms a couple of days after we lost the boys. The other one was approx
a week after who was an intact male (approx 2 years old, stray taken in lat=
e
last year). He is fine now.Icteric serumth April 2009=C2=A0Ringin =E2=80=93=
Female black eyed white entire =E2=80=93 3 =C2=BD years old.=E2=80=93 Male=
black eyed white entire =E2=80=93 5 =C2=BD years old.=E2=80=93 Male black =
eyed white entire =E2=80=93 4 =C2=BD years old.=E2=80=93 Male chocolate ent=
ire =E2=80=93 6 months old =E2=80=93 not affected.=E2=80=93 Male black eyed=
white entire =E2=80=93 6 months old =E2=80=93 not affected.=E2=80=93 Femal=
e cinnamon entire =E2=80=93 2 =C2=BD years old (stray) =E2=80=93 refer rece=
nt emails.=E2=80=93 Female sable desexed =E2=80=93 5 =C2=BD years old - wen=
t off food for 2 =E2=80=93 3 days and again was quiet and withdrawn.=E2=80=
=93 Male sable entire =E2=80=93 1 =C2=BD years old (stray) - went off food =
for 2 =E2=80=93 3 days and again was quiet and withdrawn. He was the first =
one to develop symptoms before we lost Thug and Reggie.=E2=80=93 Male black=
eyed white entire =E2=80=93 2 =C2=BD years old (stray) - went off food for=
2 =E2=80=93 3 days and again was quiet and withdrawn.Female cinnamon entir=
e =E2=80=93 2 =C2=BD years old (stray) - went off food for 2 =E2=80=93 3 da=
ys and again was quiet and
withdrawn.=E2=80=93 Female black eyed white entire =E2=80=93 3 =C2=BD year=
s old - went off food for 2 =E2=80=93 3 days and again was quiet and withdr=
awn.=E2=80=93 Female silver mitt desexed =E2=80=93 1 =C2=BD years old =E2=
=80=93 Not affected.=E2=80=93 Male cinnamon entire - 6 =C2=BD years old (st=
ray) =E2=80=93 went off food for 2 =E2=80=93 3 days and again was quiet and=
withdrawn. Possibly from losing a tooth (noticed that one of his molars at=
the back was missing).=E2=80=93 Female cinnamon desexed =E2=80=93 7 =C2=BD=
years old =E2=80=93 shortly after losing Reggie she became quiet and off h=
er food for 2 =E2=80=93 3 days. Possibly grieving from losing her cage mate=
.=E2=80=93 Male albino vascetomised =E2=80=93 5 =C2=BD years old - has just=
recently recovered from being off his food and being quiet and withdrawn f=
or 2 =E2=80=93 3 days.=E2=80=93 Female sable entire =E2=80=93 1 =C2=BD year=
s old (stray) =E2=80=93 Not affected.=E2=80=93 Female sable entire =E2=80=
=93 3 =C2=BD years old =E2=80=93 developed swelling under the ribs and was =
crying in pain and did not eat for a couple of days (symptoms developed a c=
ouple
of days after we lost Reggie and Thug). Treated with Catlax and Nutrigel a=
nd recovered within a few days. Has now regained all condition.=E2=80=93 Fe=
male sable entire =E2=80=93 6 =C2=BD years old =E2=80=93 went off food for =
a couple of days and was rather quiet =E2=80=93 treated with Catlax and Nut=
rigel and is now good.=C2=A0
=C2=A03rd June 2009
=C2=A0Further to my previous email we have also found that guinea pigs also=
appear
to be dying from the same conditions.=C2=A0
We don't have guinea pigs ourselves but my husband's niece breeds them and
she has lost a couple of them with the seizures and respiratory arrest
problem.
Several members of the club that she belongs to have also reported the same
problem.=C2=A0 Unsure of the number of animals affected by this.
=20=20=20=20=20
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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