Message Number: YG5869 | New FHL Archives Search
From: fhbythesea@aol.com
Date: 2001-07-28 14:41:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] ADVICE NEEDED QUICKLY!

In a message dated 7/28/01 3:06:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
rhondaf_ca@y... writes:

> Hello, I'm Rhonda from *Grin and Ferret*.....I have a club member who
> has a sick ferret and needs some advice. His ferret is losing weight,
> has total loss of appetite, won't drink and is "grinding" his jaws.
> He has had him to a vet, and the vet cannot find anything wrong with
> him......at first, they thought it was distemper (because he is a
> rescue adopted from a shelter only a month ago), but that was ruled
> out....the vet wants to do exploritory surgery but feels the little
> guy is too weak to make it through this, so he suggested to put
> Tasslehoff to sleep.......any suggestions? Any advice would be very
> much appreciated! Thanks all!

Hi Rhonda

All I can suggest is aggressive, supportive care - subcutaneous fluids, force
feedings and ulcer medications. I would be hesitant to put him to sleep
because he is too weak. Feedings of about 20cc 3 to 4 times a day, with
fluids given as needed and the proper medications to treat stomach upset I
think will do the trick. Good luck and please let me know how the ferret does.

Lisa Leidig, Head Ferret
The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea"
www.ferrethaven.org