From:
"kikicole90"
Date: 2012-02-14 01:55:07 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Ferret with hind leg weakness, seizure, possible kidney problems?
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hello, I was redirected here and I hope someone can help me. Thank you for your time.
My ferret Goomba is a 1.5 year old male and weighs just over 3lbs. He had some tremors in his back legs in January,after switching to a natural diet. We got a Blood-glucose test done and it was 122. His legs went from trembling occasionally to constant stiffness in one month's time. Goomba had what we think was a seizure last Friday. He got another BG test and it was 150. Today he had a blood panel and it was determined he is anemic, and that his phosphorous and creatinine levels were high.
The vet said this may be an early sign of kidney problems. He was also dehydrated so he got two shots of a water solution under his skin to help out. She said that the kidney problems may also be causing the bladder to swell and cause his incontinence (he's dripping pee every time I hold him). She said if it is kidney problems it could have started earlier, but the symptoms may not have been prominent.
Goomba did use to throw up now and then when he was younger, but we thought he just was eating too fast as it didn't happen often and always happened a little while after eating. I don't know, maybe it's significant. She's calling a vet at the LSU teaching hospital again and I'm going to hear back from her tomorrow to see what the next step is. The vet seems to be slightly baffled and I was wondering if the symptoms sound conducive to a specific illness or if anyone has any advice. Thanks again.
[I would consider adrenal disease as a differential diagnosis. Bladder/kidney stones are another possibility, as is something more sinister like lymphoma. What was his urine Ph level? What are you feeding him? Vomiting is not normal unless there is some kind of underlying illness or possible toxin. Any crystals in the sample? What was his hematocrit level?
If not - it does point to adrenal disease. A shot of one-month Lupron Depot (200mcg)would alleviate the bladder issues if the underlying problem is in fact adrenal disease with a subsequently swollen prostate impeding bladder function. Of note is that not all ferrets lose hair with adrenal disease, I have had 5 who did not, but adrenal disease was confirmed on necropsy. One in particular, had a thick, plush coat and had adrenal carcinoma. A consult with an ferret expert vet is an excellent idea. - Moderator (TD)].
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