From:
kris
Date: 2010-12-23 23:08:46 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Skin and nail mystery
To: FHL <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
Hello,
My vet and I are looking for feedback, suggestions, resources, direction
on a ferret skin and nail mystery disease.
Maori has had issues for several months now, the symptoms started with
her nails, where most of her nails (all nails on her rear feet - and 50%
of the nails on her front paws) turned yellow. Not only are they
discolored, but they are very soft and deformed. At first glance it
appears that they may be "dead" however there is a active quick.
But with that said, within a 2 month period she has lost 2 of them. One
on her front paw and one on the rear.
Her skin is very red, itchy and swollen -- mainly on her paws, ears and
face & tail.
She also has a "orange" oily/greasy look to her skin.
Aside from these symptoms she is acting relatively normal, she has a
good appetite, stools look good and she even plays.
Initially (due to the scratching) we thought she had mites or mange
(although skin scrapings were negative), she was treated with
ivermectin, but did not improve.
She is also on daily B12 injections.
Other thoughts after the mange was ruled out:
Obviously this is not distemper, as she wouldn't have lived this long.
She is vaccinated.
Is this bacterial?
Fungal?
Cutaneous lymphoma?
On 12/8 my vet sent a skin biopsy to Xxx Lab, and their findings states;
"It is compatible with a bacterial pyoderma". They did not see any
evidence of mange or lymphoma, and suggested to treat with a antibiotic
and topical therapy.
Since this consult with Xxx Lab, Maori has been treated with Clavamox
(0.25cc 2x's a day) and hexadene shampoo. She continues on the daily B12
injections, however there has been no improvement.
Maori has a sister who was from the same litter, and she is fine. I also
have other ferrets, and they are all fine too.
Maori is 5 years old, late spay - female, from a private breeder. I have
had her since she was a kit.
No other health issues until now.
I haven't changed her diet, she has always been on a variety diet
including Bob C's chicken gravy, high quality (mixed) ferret kibble and
raw.
I use wood pellet litter, wash their bedding with Odo Ban and "All" -
allergy free detergent. I sometimes use "Natural Elements - Purex"
Recently I moved, however she was showing these symptoms before I
moved... so I don't think this is a environmental issue.
If more info is needed, please ask.
All pictures can be seen in the photo section of the FHL - file name
"maori/skin/nail"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/photos/album/0/list
The Xxx Lab document can be viewed in the file section, under
"maori/antech" (I hope....if I uploaded it right)
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/files/
Any suggestions sure would be appreciated.
Thank you.
~kris
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
ferrethealth-digest@yahoogroups.com
ferrethealth-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
ferrethealth-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/