From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2010-02-15 03:51:20 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Young ferret with bladder control problems.
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
The approach will depend completely on the TYPE of urolith. For
example, the approaches needed for cystine uroliths are completely the
opposite of what is needed for struvite ones.
If the crystals were not sent for study to see which type they are
then you can at least test the urine pH. That will not tell exactly
which urolith is involved but can spare making extreme mistakes.
Extreme mistakes can include giving a ferret who is getting struvite
stones a low protein diet, OR giving a ferret who is getting cystine
stones a high protein diet. We have managed two who get cystine
uroliths on diets of no more than 35% protein for their full lives so
far. They are now getting on in years and developed insulinoma and
adrenal problems in old age, one at almost 6 for insulinoma and over
the age of 6 for adrenal problems, and the other at late 6 for adrenal
and almost 2 months above 7 for insulinoma. We have to make sure that
their urine does not get too acidic as so far have kept them down to
one surgery for uroliths each by keeping their protein levels low
enough for their safety.
if this ferret's urine is acidic then cystine uroliths are a good
possibility. If the urine is alkaline then struvite ones are.
You can learn a LOT about these and some other uroliths in the FHL
Archives:
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
and in
an article at the Ferrets Magazine website by Dr. Jerry Murray.
Right now I am trying to find that URL but our browser signal is very
intermittent so you may have to search for that yourself if I can't
get through.
My search ability is very limited until Optonline does repairs that
are scheduled for during the coming week, so I have not searched as
broadly as I normally would:
http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/ferrets/ferret-health/bladder-stones.aspx
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/FHL5848
On Feb 14, 2010, at 9:04 PM, leanneb39 wrote:
> Ferret entered shelter and was having problems urinating.
> Crystals found in urine. After a course of Clavamox and then
> Baytril, ferret was taken into vet again for sonogram. Sonogram
> showed no tumors etc, no stones no reason for the ferret to
> consistantly have bladder problems.
> We are stumped. Ferret continues to leak urine often. I must
> clean her up several times per day and change bedding. Giving
> sub-q fluids 2x per day.
> This ferret is young at less than 1.5 years old. Any ideas?
>
> Thanks in advance
> Leanne B
>
Sukie (not a vet)
Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
http://www.miamiferret.org/
http://www.ferrethealth.msu.edu/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html
all ferret topics:
http://listserv.ferretmailinglist.org/archives/ferret-search.html
HAPPY: http://www.6footsix.com/my_weblog/2010/01/high-fives-for-happiness.html
"All hail the procrastinators for they shall rule the world tomorrow."
(2010, Steve Crandall)
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