From:
"Tressie"
Date: 2009-07-14 00:48:05 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Adopting sick ferret, need suggestions on what he might have
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hello,
Welcome to the group.
... One ferret is fine... but the other has had problems ever since. He had lost 1 lb in 3 weeks!
Is he dehydrated?
> First, he was diagnosed with an Ulcer, which he was prescribed Amoxicillan for and was given Pepto also. He finished the meds yesterday. However, i got a call from the owner Saturday, saying she was on her way to the vet with him.
Amoxicillin will not treat an ulcer on its own. It needs to be combined with either Clarithromycin (newest protocol) or Metronidazole (older protocol). Sulcrafate/carafate is better tolerated than Pepto. Special highly palatable, easily digested diet should also be followed i.e., A/D and/or Chicken baby food.
> The vet did a urine anaylsis, and everything came back fine. She thinks he may have Prolific Bowel Disease, so he was prescribed another antibiotic called, forgive me, i'm going by memory here, Chloramphenicol? If this is what he has, she said that we would see a huge improvement with 48-72 hours.
Was his PH level checked?
> Now for my question (finally, i know!)
> I know straining to pee is a sign of adrenal.. but what else might be causing this?
Some possibilities UTI (bladder infection); prostatitis; uroliths; neoplasia.
What could be causing his poops to be the way they are? I know thin poops can be caused by a blockage, but what about this "clear, lube(as in KY jelly she described it) looking" mucus?
Light green (not lime green ECE stool) mucousy stool is common with EGE as is intermittent vomiting. Diagnosis is through biopsies.
> He will be going to my vet (not the same one he has been, as we live over an hour away from eachother)
> What tests should i ask for? X-ray?
Full blood panel; another urinalysis including PH levels; x-ray to check for possible blockage or uroliths.
Hopefully one of the vets who posts to the FHL will have an opportunity to respond.
Its wonderful that you are taking them in : )
Tressie
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