Message Number: YG4961 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-06-28 22:28:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Jonesy

--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., sstout1536@a... wrote:

>
> I guess what I am asking now, is:
> 1. what is the top dosage of Pediapred that I can give

There isn't a max dosage - it varies with individuals - some may
ulcerate on a lower dosage - some may never ulcerate. I've had
ferrets on 5mg lb as part of palliative therapy for lymphoma who
never had a problem with the dosage - and one that ulcerated on that
dosage.



> 2. should I just let nature take its course and let him get to the
point
> where he is seizeing, or should I help him cross.

You have presented a good case that he is not enjoying life - that is
my personal Rubicon. I believe in relieving suffering, not waiting
until clinical signs are incompatible with life. Ask yourself this
question - are you keeping him alive because he enjoys life, or for
some other reason. If you can answer that, then you will know what
your course of action should be. Jonesly didn't give up before when
he had surgical problems - he knew something. If he's stopped
fighting now; perhaps he knows something as well.

This decision is not an easy one, but one thsa you have to be
absolutely convinced of - because you don't want to wonder "what it"
five years down the road. Be sure, and be decisive.

With kindest regards,

Bruce Williams, DVM