|
|
Post by Deleted on May 25, 2015 9:59:41 GMT -5
My ferret Kalinka has been having a really rough time since early yesterday. Her eyes are all squinty, she groans when she moves, barely eating, and she doesnt even want me to touch her, she has never acted like this before.. Unless some miracle occurs overnight, im going to bring her in to the vet tomorrow to say our goodbyes: ( i was hoping there was some kind of over the counter pain medicime i can give her until then? . just so she can be as comfy as possible. Shes on prednisone and diazoxide also, and pepcid ac occasionaly. Please help! she is such a sweetheart and im going nuts imagining how bad she must feel..
|
|
|
|
Post by Heather on May 25, 2015 10:10:01 GMT -5
Unfortunately, there is no over the counter pain med that is safe for ferrets. Is it possible that she's got an ulcer? I've never given pred without a stomach med (sucralfate is my weapon of choice here)
ciao
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 25, 2015 10:12:41 GMT -5
I'm so sorry about Kalinka. If this is the end of her battle, I wish her a gentle journey.  I don't know of any over the counter meds. I do know that you need to avoid anything with acetaminophen. The medical side is not my strong suit. Let me tag several more experienced ferrents for you. Sherry Heather bitbyter unclejoe Do you all have any ideas to help this little one? I've only lost one, and I found that towards the end, he was comforted by my holding him on my lap and stroking a warm damp washcloth over him. It's said to be similar to his fur Mom grooming him. Your little one is following her natural instinct. She is vulnerable and doesn't want to be touched. You might try this though and see if she allows it. |
|
|
|
Post by unclejoe on May 25, 2015 10:28:39 GMT -5
Unfortunately, there are no OTC pain relievers recommended for ferrets. Pred is sometimes given for pain relief. If you're sure she's at the end, you can increase the dosage. Edit: However, I finally found this chart in the Merck Vet Manual www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/pharmacology/systemic_pharmacotherapeutics_of_the_nervous_system/tranquilizers_sedatives_and_analgesics.html?qt=Analgesics%20for%20Use%20in%20ferrets&alt=shScroll down to Table 4, Analgesics. It lists an aspirin dosage of 0.5–20 mg/kg, PO (by mouth), once to three times daily for ferrets. There may be side effects, like ulcers, if given longer than a few days, in dogs, and prolonged bleeding times in cats. I haven't found anything about side effects in ferrets. Based on this chart and a consult with our vet, we gave low doses to a couple of our terminal ferrets for several months, but not 3 times every day. Aspirin is the only common otc human analgesic listed under ferrets. Sorry that Kalinka is nearing the bridge. It sounds like you've done all you can. |
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on May 25, 2015 12:17:37 GMT -5
Call your vet and get some burprenorphrine for her to do until you take her in. She is unfortunately having a good deal of pain by the sounds of it  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 25, 2015 15:29:36 GMT -5
I would try to call the vet but its a holiday. She doesn't seem like shes hurting as bad anymore but i dont know maybe its just best for her if she didnt have to keep living like this . Her glands are really swollen and she has an infected tooth that my vet wouldnt treat because shes on pred and not healthy enough for surgery. her spleen is also enlarged and it looks like its bruising there under her skin. And i worry about ulcers too, her poop never looks right. I worry about all kinds of things that could be wrong with her because all she was given was a bg test and diagnosed with insulinoma but since then shes gotten worse, i always thought there was more going on . It would probably be the right thing to do to put her to sleep right?.. ive never had to do this with any of my pets before. Im going to at least try a little bit of the aspirin for now. And poncesmom, when she goes to the bathroom she is so big (water retention?) That she gets it on the rear part of her belly and then struggles to lick it off. I take a wet paper towel and rub her belly w it and she just melts in my arms, so i know what you mean and im going to try the warm rag thing tonight i think itll really relax her.
|
|
|
|
Post by unclejoe on May 25, 2015 18:22:32 GMT -5
If you do give aspirin, you're only talking 1/4 of a low dose (83mg) tablet max dose. We've had to make the big decision a few times now. You have our sympathy and we'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I can say that it never gets easier. Wishing you Peace.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 25, 2015 18:37:28 GMT -5
Yeah and ferrets have such a short life span that's the worst part about it. At least i know she had a very good life though : ) thank you and got it on the aspirin too
|
|
|
|
Post by FireAngel on May 25, 2015 18:46:58 GMT -5
Wishing you the best and lighting a candle to help guide your path.  |
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on May 25, 2015 19:55:59 GMT -5
Why won't your vet do surgery for an extraction because of pred? I have had them go under previously in spite of it
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 26, 2015 7:15:01 GMT -5
She never even mentioned surgery, i was going to bring her in to a different vet to get a second opinion and now that shes acting normal again ( as normal as she gets,still sleeping all the time) i think i will still do that. What about the bruising by her spleen though? Is that really bad?
|
|
|
|
Post by unclejoe on May 26, 2015 8:27:02 GMT -5
I'm glad she's doing better. But you should get her a pain reliever she can use long term.
The spleen tends to enlarge for just about any infection or illness. What bruising are you talking about? All of my ferrets have a bluish area in the center of their abdomens. I suspect it's the pancreas or stomach. Anyone else?
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 26, 2015 13:54:49 GMT -5
Well it looks like its an enlarged spleen because of where it is and the bruising is right on top of it. Im going to make an appt right now and i will ask about the pain medicine. Thank you for the push in that direction. I wish i could find a vet that i had confidence in, then i wouldnt be so unsure of everything. Really glad i found this group though its making me feel a lot better about things.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on May 26, 2015 14:13:37 GMT -5
We can help you find a vet. Have you seen our vet list? We have two. One by Country and State and one that member's add to as they approve the vet. holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/13638/vet-country-stateholisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/6/list-vet?page=4If you can't find one in your area, you are welcome to pm me your location and I'll try to help. You may also try calling a local ferret shelter or rescue and asking who they use. Often times, a pet store like Petco or Petsmart can help also. All of the vets on the list were seen and approved of by a Member. A real ferret doc can make all the difference. Vets mean well, but often only see cats and dogs. They don't see enough ferrets in their practice and rely on manuals and lab reports that tell them what they are seeing. Good luck and sending all my best Well Wishes. |
|
|
|
Post by unclejoe on May 26, 2015 14:30:24 GMT -5
Yeah, even the Merck manual is heavily weighted toward cats and dogs. good luck
|
|
