From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2011-05-26 01:56:33 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Wasting ferret, vet no help
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
When our Pertwee was losing weight for no apparent reason our vet
suggested that chronic pancreatitis could be the problem. There was,
unfortunately, no test for that condition in ferrets at that time. I
don't know if there is a test today. Anyway, the vet had us add
Viokase-V, basically powdered pancreatic enzymes, to his chicken
gravy. It worked and that pretty much confirmed the diagnosis.
Pertwee slowly got back to his normal weight and we gave him Viokase-V
mixed into chicken gravy 2-3 times a day as work schedules permitted
for the rest of his life.
We tried this again for Zephyr after her insulinoma surgery early this
year. In her case it didn't help and her problems eventually cleared
up on their own. The reason I mention this is that if pancreatitis
isn't the problem then Viokase-V doesn't hurt. It just doesn't help.
In other words, you have nothing to lose but some money by trying.
Your vet will have to prescribe it so you are looking at another vet
visit. I'll also mention that the stuff is expensive: typically
around $70 for 4 oz. To me that is a small price to pay if it will
save your ferret's life.
Good luck!
Caity and the terrible twosome
Zephyr and Chin Soon
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