From: 
Larry 
Date: 2001-08-16 17:34:00 UTC
Subject: Saying hello, and Charlie's kidney problem.
             Hi,
I have only just joined the group, I found it whilst searching for 
extra info on ferret kidney problems. I haven't found much in the way 
of encouraging info !
Charlie (one of my five friends) is a three and a bit year old Hob, 
untill about six or eight weeks ago he weighed around a kilo (just 
under five pounds). His weight is now less than half that, he gets 
more lethargic by the day, but still has some appetite. The vet that 
we visit has put him on steroids and a low sodium, low protein diet 
(for cats with kidney problems I believe), but Charlie is I fear 
losing the fight and I don't think it will be too long before I have 
to do the "best thing for him", hard as it will be. I'm not sure how 
I will know when that time has come or if there is anything else that 
I can do for him in the mean time.
As if that isn't enough Maggie a four year old Jill has been 
diagnosed with Lymphoma. She is currently taking Prednisolone, and 
appears to be doing very well, although they do don't they. She is an 
odd looking ferret, a rescue who looks to be the result of too much 
in breeding (short tail, odd body shape etc).
All this gives the impression that my ferret keeping time is a sad 
experience, but that is not the case. The others, Abbie, Harvey 
(Charlies brother) and Daisey are all fine, as were Maggie and 
Charlie until recently.
Anyway, hello to you all, and appologies for the long post.
Regards,
Larry