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Post by pastelsummer on Feb 13, 2011 15:22:19 GMT -5
I hate the ones in this area it is like pulling teeth to get anything done on a ferret and then it cost so much that you have to pawn a couple kids and the family jewels. But i think i may have found what is causing part of the problem. I dont think it is seizures i think it is an allergic reaction to DUCK of all things. the reason i say this is because when i give him duck it happens. but when he doesnt have it he is fine no problems and the problem resolves itself when i help him by tipping his head back and rubbing his throat I thought he was chocking the other day and swept my finger down he mouth and he gagged and coughed and then was fine and started playing. but stupid drs wont do any d*mn tests so i may have to take him to boise to get them done without a battle. I am tempted to start doing a few bloodsugars here at the house but i just dont know how to
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Post by sherik on Feb 13, 2011 15:31:49 GMT -5
Isn't there a condition some ferrets can have? megaesophagus or something like that. This is what I found from ferret universe. This condition is characterized by the dilation of the esophagus due to lack of muscular motility. The ferret may have problems breathing or regurgitate its food as the food does not get passed into the stomach, but rather swells in the esophagus. Immediate vet care is essential as the ferret is not getting to the stomach, it can dehydrate and waste away in a few days time. This condition can be diagnosed by first giving a barium, then feeding the ferret and immediately taking an X-ray (food will show up in the esophagus).
Though prognosis is poor, you can certainly help the ferret live with this condition. Zantac, Pepcid or Tagament is usually prescribed to reduce reflux of the stomach acids, and should be given prior to eating. Proper feeding and hydration is key to survival, a bland diet should be given 3-5 times a day; the ferret should never go more than 8-10 hours without food. You should massage the ferrets throat to chest area to stimulate them to swallow. As the ferret is able to take in and hold down the food, slightly increase its thickness. Cisapride or Metaclopromide may increase motility.
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Post by pastelsummer on Feb 13, 2011 15:35:53 GMT -5
the thing is he ONLY does it when he is fed duck nothing else causes the problem. he eats everything else just fine
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Post by sherik on Feb 13, 2011 15:41:24 GMT -5
Maybe he just doesn't like duck?
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Post by sherik on Feb 13, 2011 15:44:11 GMT -5
Blood sugars are pretty easy. You just have to get a good meter. I use the freestyle light. You only need a very small amount of blood with that one. I put the ferret on their back, put some tone on their belly and let them go at it. Take the thing that pricks them, use a new needle everytime is the only way I can seem to get enough blood. Prick one of the back toes, and check the blood. I always add 20% to the results as the meters read low, and even with adding 20% it is usually still a low reading. You can also ask the vet to show you and compare meters, so you will know if it is acurate.
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Post by Sherry on Feb 13, 2011 16:41:26 GMT -5
Try just leaving the duck of the menu for a while, see what happens. With the situation you are in right now, it's not going to hurt!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2011 16:59:46 GMT -5
Yeah, I'd avoid the duck for a while and see if the symptoms stop. I'd also look into finding a new vet :/
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Post by joclyn on Feb 13, 2011 18:07:56 GMT -5
the duck may be too rich for him...seems odd if that's the case - there are exceptions to every 'rule' though.
a couple of mine do the same thing with beef, so, even though the majority are okay with it, i just don't give it any more so that those that do have issue with it don't have to have the stress of trying to vomit (which isn't a natural thing for ferrets) after they eat.
megaesophagus is a condition that can occur. it's extremely rare and every type of food would cause the same reaction, so, i doubt that's what is going on here.
is it possible that he's just eating the duck too quickly (because he REALLY likes it) or ate too big a chunk?? a few of mine have gagged after eating too quickly or too much at once - both during the initial switching phase and still, on occassion, as time has gone on. i just give them some water from syringe and that usually clears it up.
i would skip the duck for a while and then reintroduce it to test if it really IS the duck that's the issue or if he's just eating it too fast.
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Post by pastelsummer on Feb 13, 2011 21:32:24 GMT -5
yeah i took out his duck and put him on baby meat for few meals he goes back on regular meat chicken tomorrow
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Post by pastelsummer on Feb 17, 2011 15:10:42 GMT -5
just popping on to say that he is doing fine with the chicken and pork. No problems at all.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2011 15:20:25 GMT -5
Glad to hear it!
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Post by Sherry on Feb 17, 2011 18:14:18 GMT -5
That's fantastic! I'm guessing duck stays OFF the menu
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2011 18:23:18 GMT -5
No more duck...that's ok my crew here don't do all that great on lamb...and oh my does it give my dogs gas....phew!
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Post by pastelsummer on Feb 17, 2011 22:03:50 GMT -5
right now it is chicken pork and beef on the menu. I want to try lamb later but am not sure when
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2011 0:27:26 GMT -5
Great news!
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