From:
"ferretzrule"
Date: 2009-06-10 04:06:37 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Anemic ferret-help with dx
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I am posting on behalf of a friend in California. Her ferret is a 3 year old neutered male. He was being treated for "suspected" IBD with Prednisolone. During May he came down with diarrhea and Imodium was added to his meds. After starting the Imodium, the ferret began to be excessively itchy and soon after became lethargic and started doing the "flat ferret" frequently.
The ferret was taken to the vet the end of May, who did x-rays and found nothing remarkable. The ferret's heart rate was "very high" at that time so the vet started the ferret on Benazapril (I believe). The ferret continued to degenerate for three days and on June 1st was again taken to the vet. Blood tests were done and it was found that the ferret had a PCV of 8%. The other values that were considered to be "off" were:
HGB 1.4
Lymphocytes 60%
Monocytes 9%
RBC 0.9
WBC 1.7
Albumin 2.7
Globulin 2.8
The next day the ferret was given a blood transfusion (1cc/hr for 13 hours). After 36 hours there was no change in PCV. Another transfusion was given (1cc/20 min. for a total of 17cc). This time his PCV went up to 10%. A bone marrow test was done, results unremarkable.
As of yesterday, the ferret's PCV was up to 20%, which is still very low. He is back on his feet, but is very weak. The vet had planned to do a biopsy, but feels the ferret is far to weak at this time.
Any ideas/thoughts for my friend and her vet would be greatly appreciated.
Bonnie Tormohlen
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