I'd first off like to thank Bill Gruber for getting the Ferret List issue
with my post out early, and phoning me long distance at work to let me know.
Thanks Bill. Sorry I didn't warn you I was home today.
 
I'd also like to thank the many people who wrote with suggestions, or just
support.  I was going nuts when this all started, not knowing what was
happening to my boy.  Now I have a better idea, and though the outlook at
this point is not all roses, at least it's not all bad.  Last night I was
terrified Bud wouldn't last the night based just on his appearance.  Now at
least I have a better idea what we're up against.
 
Here's an update on Bud's condition. My vet recommended a program involving
subcutaneous fluid injection, steroids, a low protein food to reduce the
load on the liver, and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections (and in
case the cause actually *is* an infection). He said blood tests might help
narrow down the cause, but would not alter the treatment. I asked him to go
ahead with the tests; if we can find out exactly what's causing this it sure
can't hurt. The tests will be run tomorrow (Tuesday), and the results should
be back by the afternoon.
 
Some possible causes he suggested were a viral or bacterial infection,
trauma to the liver, a reaction to the medication (Geritabs) Bud recently
took for thin hair on his tail (though he really only got one full dose, two
weeks ago; after that first day he wouldn't touch the stuff anymore).  And
the most grim possibility, that Bud's original cancer may have spread to the
liver.  He said the liver feels a little larger than the last time, not a
good sign.  He says a biopsy would be needed to confirm cancer, and Bud is
in no shape for surgery.  And he says if it *is* cancer, there's not much to
be done, so for now we'll proceed with his treatment program and see if he
responds.
 
Bud's condition is no worse than when I first noticed it last night. He's
staying with the vet for now, and he continues to drink and pee. He has a
surprising amount of energy considering, so I don't think he feels too badly
yet. I'll just have to hope that he responds to his treatment.
 
Thanks again one and all for all your information and support. I will let
you know what develops.
--
John Rosloot, Caregiver to Buddy, Cassidy and Sammy
Technical analyst, Dept. of Computer Science, University of Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
http://www.cs.uregina.ca/~john/ferrets.html
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[Posted in FML issue 1417]