Ok, I just need to vent about this because I'm very frustrated. My personal Ferret Loki (my first ferret) has not been right for about 7 months. It's nothing I've been able to put my finger on, I just have seen little things here and there that add up--and I've just had a gut feeling about it.
I've brought her to the vet about 3 times--giving him all the symptoms, explaining that "she's just not right" We've had ultra-sounds, blood tests, etc. The last time I saw him, I told him that I don't know, and I know he's been doing tests--but I KNOW THAT THERE IS SOMETHING NOT RIGHT WITH HER. So, he told me that I could always get a second opinion (not in a nasty way, but in a truly trying to be helpful way) Meanwhile, I had asked him to send me the results of her bloodwork about 3 times and I never recieved it, so I just let it go.
Just as a back story--there is another vet that we work with alot through the shelter and I also highly respect her...so, some time goes on and I think "you know what, I am going to take her to this other Dr" Mind you--this Dr has had extensive experience with my "gut" regarding ferrets who "are just not right--and respects that.
So, her appt was yesterday--I had her records faxed from her normal vet. When the second opinion dr (I will refer to her as Dr. H) looks her --she notices that she doesn't "look right" (she looks like a little old ferret and she is only 3 1/2) when she looks at her blood work, she also notices that her Albumin level is low and her globulin level is high. So, she tests her blood again and now, her Albumin level is even lower.
The awesome thing about Dr. H is that she admits she doesn't know everything--but will tell you what is happening and then say "but I need to research that more to get more information" which I have SOO much respect for. I don't trust any human being who acts like they know everything.
So, now she is leaning towards something going on with her liver/kidneys. They were unable to get urine yesterday, but I brought her (loki) back in this morning and they got a urine sample on which they will do the appropriate tests. I will hear back at some point today.
Now--my frustration is: the original blood tests were done 7 months ago. If you have a client, who has EXTENSIVE experience dealing with sick ferrets (as all of the fosters I take in to my home are old/ill/hospice or behaviourally challenged) Whose gut feelings, thus far, has been pretty much dead on--who is INSISTENTLY telling you on numerous occasions that "I can't put my finger on it, but I know something is not right with this ferret" Don't you think that ANY oddity on the blood tests would be addressed--or even mentioned???? That was the FIRST thing that Dr. H noticed--and she even said "i'm not sure what it means, but I find it very interesting" and then went from there.
I think if something had just been missed, I would be less annoyed (since her symptoms have been pretty obscure) --but the fact that the oddity showed up in black and white (and mind you--when the values are above or below normal range they print out in RED-so it's hard to miss) and it wasn't addressed, infuriates me.
Oh well, I just had to get it off my chest. It will be addressed with him, I just want to get all my ducks in a row prior to talking to him about it.
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I'm not sure--up until now, I've been very impressed with him. I am going to talk with him and see what happens. The thing is, on his behalf--this type of thing is not typical in ferrets--I think, more my point is that, seeing how strongly I felt about it, he should have examined any anomaly...
I know, I think it's going to depend on his reaction/what he says when I speak with him about it. I've been doing some research--and it's a perfect example of how a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous--because none of the things that I've come across can be good things. Hopefully, she'll have a better idea on how to proceed when I speak with her.
Not good. I had a vet that I really really liked! Just like your Dr H. she would admit when something wasn't right and then go look it up. I can't tell you the # of times she did stuff like that for me! She was wonderful! And she always respected that I may be young in age, but I know my dogs inside and out and know when something is not right. Most other vets just brush me off. Unfortunately she's moved. I was the 1st clients she told, even before she told her boss! She is an amazing vet!
I can completely understand your frustration at vet #1. I've had that happen a number of times and it irritates the living daylights out of me each time.
I really hope that it is nothing serious.
Good luck!!
I hope everything works out for Loki. The poor thing, not feeling well for this long.
Thanks all--just please keep us in your thoughts/prayers.
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