Took in two ferrets 3 months ago.

Vet exam confirmed one with suspected insulinoma, and a surprise of
ear mites. Started on pred, treated this ferret and his buddy with
Revolution.

All was well until this past Wednesday morning. Found the ferret in
what I thought was a insulinoma seizure. I soon realized this was
different. He seemed *aware*, just unable to maintain any kind of
balance. Threw his head from side to side, barrel rolled, eyes
*jittery*.

Off to the vet. BG was 110. Right ear gunk, she couldn't see down deep.
Ferret sedated, ears flushed. What came out of his right ear was a
hardened wax/mite debris plug. Under the plug was infection, and a
ruptured eardrum. Little guy is fine now, on antibiotics and ear meds.

Ear mites, fleas etc have not been much of a problem here till the last
couple of years. Mild winters, sudden hot spring/summers. Bugs like
that. I am now back to ear checks/cleanings more often. And a really
good flush/cleaning with vet prescribed meds after any mite treatment.
The one I have now is safe even for ruptured ear drum, not all are.

Someone recently posted about a ferret with a Cuterebra in it's chest.
My vet says she normally sees 2 or 3 dogs a year with these, this year
she has seen over 20. I don't want to see even one.

Ardith
Reno, Nevada

[Posted in FML 7557]