From:
"Danee DeVore"
Date: 2011-09-12 14:53:45 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] RE: Hacking Cough
To: <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
I have not followed all of this discussion, but in case it hasn't been mentioned, do not forget Mycoplasmosis as a possible cause of a continuous cough. While it has only been documented in the northwest part of the US, and primarily in ferrets coming from the Canadian breeder (farm) Real Canadian Ferrets, Dr. Kiupel, who was involved in making the determination in the initial cases in the US, this is most likely a wide spread problem in US ferrets. Fortunately, it is rarely fatal, but is also basically not curable. Ferrets who get this require lifelong treatment of antibiotic and steroids.
Here is a link to slides from one of Dr. Kiupel's presentations on Mycoplasmosis:
<http://www.ferrethealth.msu.edu/Presentations/Mycoplasmosis_in_Ferrets.pdf> http://www.ferrethealth.msu.edu/Presentations/Mycoplasmosis_in_Ferrets.pdf
Dr. Kiupel gave a presentation on this subject at the recent Ferret Symposium in Phoenix, and as part of his presentation, he had a short video clip of a ferret with Mycoplasmosis coughing. To me, it sounded like what I would call a dry hacking cough.
[We have a confirmed case of mycoplasmosis in a young Marshall's ferret in Nova Scotia, Canada. The slide was sent to MSU and confirmed as mycoplasmosis - Moderator (TD)].
Unfortunately, I don't think there are currently many labs set up to test for Mycoplasmosis. However, Dr. Kiupel's research group at MSU does offer testing for this. Here is a link to a page with information about how to submit samples to MSU for testing, and a link to the testing fee schedule. Additionally, I have found Dr. Kiupel very helpful in diagnosing ferret diseases, and he is usually willing to consult and advise vets who are not familiar with a specific ferret condition.
<http://www.ferrethealth.msu.edu/Diagnostics.php> Ferret Health Advancement at MSU
The sample needed for the test is from a Bronchioalveolar lavage.
Kevin Farlee who is a member of this list has a lot of experience in dealing with this problem, since it was his shelter where it was first diagnoses. He could likely provide more information from a shelter operator's and ferret owner's point of view.
Danee DeVore
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit:
<http://www.ferretadv.com> http://www.ferretadv.com
ADV - Find out how you can help:
http://help4adv.terrabox.com/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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