Message Number: FHL12652 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "suedvm96"
Date: 2010-12-26 04:22:32 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Skin and nail mystery
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com

Although I have never seen it in ferrets the first thing that came to mind was autoimmune issue. Specifically Lupoid Onchodystrophy. It might be a stretch but they can get pemphigus I would suspect they could also got this. I think Dr. Ruth is right about cultures but I would also consider biopsy. You could biopsy a toe or just some of the really affected areas, you could also take skin samples for culture this might be a better way to get an accurate read. Hope this helps. Please let us know what you find out. If it is bacterial/fungal or other there is a great new product I have been using that is all natural and nontoxic and is topical. If you are interested write me off list. Not sure if I can use brand names here.

All the best.

Dr. Sue
TLC First Animal Hospital
Chicago, IL 60631
www.tlcfirst.com

--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, kris <Kriskius@...> wrote:
>
> 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
>




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