From:
Chelsey Baker-Hauck
Date: 2010-06-28 16:51:37 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Food Allergies
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I had one ferret with an acute allergy to an ingredient in Nutrical (we never figured out which ingredient). It started with some redness around his mouth after getting Nutrical. I didn't think much of it until the next time, when his face swelled tremendously, turned bright red, his eyes swelled shut and he had trouble breathing. We rushed him to the vet, where he was successfully treated for an acute allergic reaction. Unfortunately, that ferret subsequently developed a severe Lupus-like autoimmune condition that ultimately killed him within 2 years of onset. (The vet thought he wouldn't live more than a couple of months, so getting two good years was the best possible outcome.) We don't know whether the allergic reaction triggered the Lupus, or the other way around. The ferret was perfectly healthy in every way prior to the allergic reactions. Going forward, we had to avoid all foods, etc., that had any of the same ingredients listed in Nutrical, since we didn't know which
ingredient was the culprit.
Previously, this ferret had had Nutrical and other supplements with no problems. So yes, an allergy can develop suddenly to a substance that was previously not a problem. If you notice an acute reaction, even if it is mild, seek medical advice/attention.
In another ferret, we suspected food allergy could be causing her bowel problems but ruled it out after eliminating common allergens from her diet one-by-one w/no improvement. Turned out to be IBD; she later developed a stomach tumor (lymphosarcoma).
Chelsey
[There is a third possibility. This ferret may simply
have been prone to immune disorders. Among
humans some people just seem to be prone to them
and having more than one in the same individuals
is not a surprise when it occurs.
Elimination testing is a smart choice. When the reaction
is not severe then challenge testing by re-introduction
of tiny amounts can be used, but with an acute anaphylactic
food reaction that is often best to avoid. Sounds like everything
was done perfectly.
-- Moderator.]
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