From:
"merylfaulkner"
Date: 2010-03-30 03:34:39 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Ferret with cardiac problems - query on supplement use by my veterinarian
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
My adopted ferret Sienna was recently diagnosed with heart problems - signs were cough,and lethargy despite ongoing treatment for insulinoma. The first ultrasound showed fluid in her lungs and enlarged heart (don't have all the technical descriptions from that U-S). She has responded well the last few weeks to pimobendan, lasix and enalapril, and had one follow up ultrasound a few days after drugs were started - showing fluid reduced but heart still enlarged. Today she had another follow up ultrasound and the U-S specialist said on the report "continue lasix, enalapril, pimobendan therapy. Rule out causes for systolic dysfunction(DCM)(taurine/carnitine deficiency vs metabolic causes. ECG if not already performed. Consider taurine, carnitine, and Coenzyme Q10 supplementation if safe for ferrets.Recheck LV function in 1-2 months."
My veterinarian (who knows I "go online" to look up ferret illnesses) said that since she has not gone to an exotic mammal pet conference for a few years, would I ask if there were any opinions on the value of these products in ferrets. I looked in the archives and found one post by Dr Jerry Murray. One sentence after an explanation of how the supplements are supposed to work summed it up :"However
taurine, carnitine, and Co-Q10 are not cures in ferrets".
Can I assume that this is still the case, and that there is no recent information that would warrant treating with these supplements? Is there anything other than the drugs we are currently using that has been useful in cases like this. Sienna is 8 this year - so she has had a pretty good life - almost 7 with her first owner and another year with me. She's a bit shaky but still walking around and eating and sleeping and enjoying her occasional treats.
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