FERRET-SEARCH@LISTSERV.FERRETMAILINGLIST.ORG
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Date: | Tue, 21 Jul 1998 18:20:41 -0400 |
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Hello
I really need some help concerning diagnosis and treatment of a
gastrointestinal disorder.
*Stats*
Patient: 7yrs. 9mos. old, male ferret
Disorder began: approxmately 4 weeks ago
Symptoms: began with semi-formed stools of normal color and some prolapsing
with no other symptoms (appetite/activity level good); has progressed to
completely watery, bird-seedy, mucousy stools, complete loss of appetite,
and noticible weight loss (all symptoms have become severe within the last
two days). A veterinary exam two weeks ago indicated thickening of the
intestines.
Current diagnosis and treatment: After a physical exam by a
ferret-knowledgable veterinarian (no blood work or radiology), the ferret
was diagnosed as having proliferative bowel disease and placed on a 14 day
course of chloramphenicol. We are now at the end of that 14 day treatment,
and the condition has worsened rather than improving. I am currently
feeding the ferret "duck soup" and monitoring him for dehydration. I have
the supplies to administer SQ fluids if needed.
Problem: The vet indicated that the next course of action would be
exploratory surgery (isoflurane anesthesia only) including a bowel biopsy
to get a better diagnosis. Question- does this sound like a good
diagnostic route given the ferret's advanced age (7yrs. 9mos.)? Question-
can you suggest other routes of diagnosis and/or treatment?
Any and all assistance would be extremely welcome.
Thank you,
Gina Hart/Sage Ferrets
[Posted in FML issue 2377]
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