From:
Steve Austin
Date: 2001-05-02 16:59:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] My very sick ferret
Marlena wrote:
<snipped>
Two weeks ago I adopted a sick ferret. She had no hair on the lower
half of her body and the rest of it is thin and short. Between her legs
was somewhat swollen. She is very lethargic; she hardly moves at all.
All she wants to do is lay in my arms; I named her Snuggles.
________________________
Marlena I am so glad to see you are trying to learn as much as you can, I
have to give you a lot of credit for that.
Unfortunately, without a vet exam it would be hard to guess, with so much
hair missing I am going to guess an adrenal tumor, and insulinoma (tumor
on the pancreas) and since there is nothing to be done for the tumors
without a vet I think you should have a vet examen her and put her down
if she is suffering (I think this is the most humane solution). Once you
took the animal into your home you took on at least the responsibility to
feed and provide housing, and at minimum vet care that would ensure the
animal will not suffer. You can not take on the responsibility at your
age, but know that a vet visit would cost about $25-45 depending on the
area you live, and if needed euthanasia would cost a bit more- please
talk to your parents again. Speak to the vet about costs, sometimes
relatively cheap drugs and a quick glucose test can keep the ferret
comfortable. With so much hair loss your parents should have known the
ferret was ill when they took her in, and in that case should do what is
right or find her a new home.
I would like to know where you adopted this ferret from? Any licensed
place would not adopt out a sick animal, and if they did I would think
they would take her back and get her vet care. If you got her from
someone you know, or the paper, I am thinking the person knew the ferret
was ill and should have told you so. You may want to look for the nearest
shelter and tell them that you have this sick ferret that you can not
care for and see if they can take the animal in.
I hope you find some comfort in knowing that at your age you are no way
responsible for this animal and I hope your parents can help you find the
best solution for your family and for Snuggles.
Good luck,
Patty
e-mail me privately if you are in NJ and I will see if I can help.
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