Ianto

[alonewiththemoon]

A week and a half ago when we took Ianto in for his annual rabies vaccination, he was put on a week of amoxycillan for a fever and runny stool.  The amoxy seemed to take care of the problem, but about 24-36 hours after finishing the week of amoxy, his problem was back with a vengeance.  On top of that, I started seeing overt signs of low blood sugar, an indicator that his insulinoma is progressing, as it always does.  I talked to the vet, and we're putting him on metronidazole and increasing his prednisone dosage.  She's giving us a prescription with a few refills for the metronidazole in case the problem is recurring, which on the one hand is convenient but on the other hand is depressing.  In part this problem (technically, an overbloom of his own native gut fauna) is because of the prednisone suppressing his immune system, so it's a bit of a damned if you do medicate, damned if you don't situation.  I am trying hard not to conclude that this is the beginning of the end for Ianto, but it is hard not to feel that way.  I don't at all regret adopting him and whatever time he has with us will be the happiest time a ferret could hope for.  It is hard not to feel crushed right now though.
 
I used to have such trouble pronouncing and spelling metronidazole.  Now it is all too familiar.
 

Comments

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[meddevi.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[deadwinter.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry.

I'm kind of confused. Wasn't the amoxy for an infection to begin with?

[alonewiththemoon]

Yes--it held the infection at bay as long as he was taking it, but it wasn't strong enough to eradicate it, hence the bigger gun of metronidazole. But even if the metronidazole does the trick this time, the same problem is likely to cycle back again, because of the immunity-supressing action of the prednisone he must take for the insulinoma (a cancer of the pancreas). With any luck he can go a long time between cycles, though.

[amadea.livejournal.com]

I don't know if you believe in karma or any other such thing, but I imagine you laying up blessings somewhere for each little life you have worked so hard to make brighter and warmer and safer and full of comfort.

[pyrric.livejournal.com]

Just exactly this.

*hug*

[bluemoonsaga.livejournal.com]

hugs

[iterum.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear it, and wish Ianto as long and comfortable a life as possible. He will certainly have the best possible caretakers.

[kambriel.livejournal.com]

I hope the Metro does it's work.... Give Ianto some extra cuddles for me.

[shnells.livejournal.com]

i've been on metronidazole. it's pretty heavy duty stuff :/ sorry mate.