From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2012-02-14 17:18:37 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Ferret with hind leg weakness, seizure, possible kidney problems?
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Since the problem began after switching to a higher protein diet has the possibility of cystine uroliths (stones) been considered? A number of ferrets with a tendency toward those do okay on a lower protein diet but when they get higher levels of protein then form sludge or stones of cystine. Those individuals have kidneys which have trouble dealing with 4 amino acids which are called the COLA group for their first letters: Cystine, Ornithine, Lysine, and Arginine. A specimen can be sent to a urolith lab and the urine pH can be looked at.
Another possibility is that the lower protein food was too high in plant proteins and then struvite uroliths may have formed earlier and simply showed up now. Some infections can also cause those to develop.
There are other urolith possibilities, too.
There are multiple types of triggering kidney problems, from malformations to infections, to uroliths, to eating raisins (or grapes or currants) though the degree of vulnerability to that may vary based on individual genetics, and more.
If the urine backs up then hydronephrosis can develop.
HYDRATE! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! A ferret who is dealing with kidney disease NEEDS extra fluids to protect those kidneys. The worst one we had on that score was born with two major urinary tract deformties and he would need about 150 ccs of fluid per day during recoveries from his bouts of major kidney problems and after his original combination surgery which is about twice what he normally needed, but luckily he was good about drinking.
What else is needed beyond hydration depends on the cause of the problem.
Notice, that as Tressie pointed out, a swollen prostrate from adrenal disease can also result in infection, in incomplete emptying of the bladder, in urine backing up, and more.
>From the FHL homepage (or use the second address in my sig lines) you can link to the separate FHL Archives and supplement what people mention to you by going there.
Sukie (not a vet)
Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.miamiferret.org/
http://www.ferrethealth.msu.edu/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html
all ferret topics:
http://listserv.ferretmailinglist.org/archives/ferret-search.html
"All hail the procrastinators for they shall rule the world tomorrow."
(2010, Steve Crandall)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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