From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2011-10-05 19:38:54 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Re: Odie's very low heart rate (and Zephyr update)
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
This is an edited version of a message I sent to Renee privately. I
had to cut it down to meet FHL rules. I'm posting it here mainly in
the hope that the info may help another ferret in the future and also
for those who have been following my Zephyr's case.
Our vet is treating Zephyr(~8.5 y/o female MF ferret) for
cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure and third degree A/V node
heart block. With a witches brew of meds, including one experimental
one, we've managed to restore Zephyr's quality of life pretty well.
She still tires easily and sleeps quite a bit, but she explores,
ferrets away her favorite toy, plays some, climbs some, and generally
still has a decent quality of life. She was diagnosed in July so I
think she's doing remarkably well all things considered. I thought
some of my experiences with Zephyr might be helpful to you with Odie.
Our vet did do an atropine response test on Zephyr. Her heart rate
did pick up some and that, plus several EKGs now, confirmed the third
degree A/V node block. Tressie's suggestion is a good one. The
congestive heart failure was diagnosed via a chest X-ray. That is
something else you can consider. Unfortunately we haven't been able
to coordinate with the ultrasound vet yet but an echo (ultrasound)
will show the extent of the cardiomyopathy best. That's something
else you can consider.
Zephyr is currently on aminophylline and metaproteranol (that's the
experiment) to keep her heart rate up and the combination has brought
her from a heart rate of 44 (unmedicated, escape rhythm, frequent
syncope) to roughly 116, which is still low but enough to sustain her
and allow adequate oxygen to the brain. No more syncope episodes,
thankfully. The aminophylline doesn't last long (2-3 hours tops) and
per our vet I don't wake her to give it. It's only for when she's
awake. Before giving her the aminophylline, on just metaproteranol,
Zephyr's heart rate is typically around 72. The aminophylline works
quickly so she gets it in her gravy before playtime and that gives her
the energy she needs when she's awake.
Zephyr is also on furosemide for the congestive heart failure and
cardiomyopathy. It took a while to get the dosage right for her but
now she no longer has any problems breathing and she isn't getting
dehydrated either. The key is to find the right balance -- enough but
not too much.
Finally, she's on enalapril, a vasal dilator, to help the blood flow
from her weakened heart to her major organs. As Dr. Ramsell posted
recently here on FHL, enalapril can cause lowering of blood pressure
so a ferret with low blood pressure already (common with A/V node
block) can't take it but fortunately Zephyr can.
I think the main thing is to find out precisely what's wrong with
Odie's heart. Hopefully some of the diagnostic tools which were
useful for Zephyr will also be useful for Odie.
All the best,
Caity with Zephyr and Chin Soon
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