http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/message/4795
>Yes, ferrets are now having a systemic coronavirus disease that is
>very similar to the dry form of feline FIP. Bloodwork will usually
>show an increase in the globulins (esp. gammaglobulins) and anemia.
>
>The biopsy results are very similar to feline FIP (pyogranulomatous
>inflammatory lesions). Instead of viral isolation, an IHC staining can
>be done with the feline FIP antibody to verify the presence of the
>coronavirus. It is actually the ferret coronavirus and not the cat
>corona- virus that is causing the problem based on work from Michigan
>State University.
>
>Treatment is similar to feline FIP with pred (Pediapred) and feline
>interferon omega (Virbagen Omega from Virbac). Antibiotics can be
>used for secondary infections (doxycycline (5 mg/kg bid) is currently
>recommended for cats with FIP). Nutritional support with Hill's a/d,
>baby food, and/or Oxbow's carnivore care may help. Pet tinic may
>help with the anemia. Antioxidants may help decrease some of the
>inflammation and lesions. Low dose aspirin is still suggested by
>some for cats with FIP. Unfortunately ferrets with FIP (just like
>cats with FIP) usually have a progressive and fatal disease.
>
>Hope that helps and feel free to have your vets contact me if they
>have any more questions.
>
>Jerry Murray, DVM
>Dallas, Texas.
Brought to the FML with author's permission from the FHL by and FHL
co- moderator,
Sukie (not a vet)
Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/http://ferrethealth.org/archive/http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.htmlhttp://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/http://www.ferretcongress.org/http://www.trifl.org/index.shtmlhttp://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html
[Posted in FML 5829]
