From:
tvtalker2000@yahoo.com
Date: 2001-10-15 17:13:00 UTC
Subject: Ferret Death
I hope you can help me.
Last night I lost my precious Oscar after a lengthy battle with
Cushings disease. I was told his illness was "textbook" but yet to
see it mentioned when talking about ferret health. He got to the
point where he lost 1/2 his weight and was almost skeletal. The Vet
had him on antibiotics but over the course of the last month or so
he's been going down hill. Since Friday he hadn't been eating and I
called my vet to find out what I could do. I was told he was likely
bleeding internally due to his feces being a black glob. He was so
weak and would whimper every so often. All I could do was hold him
and try to keep him hydrated and comfortable as instructed. I have a
few question that I hope you can answer on this illness and what to
do since I have another ferret who is younger.
IS Cushing's common to ferrets? If so, is this deterioration
normal? I know now that he is gone there is nothing I can do but I
am saddened by the loss of my little friend.
While it still pains me to think about Oscar's passing, I now have to
think about my other ferret Felix. My concern is that Felix will be
lonely without Oscar. They were snuggle buddies and we got Felix two
years after Oscar. I don't think Felix has ever been without a
companion since he was still a kit when we got him. What can I do to
make sure he is OK? He's a healthy young 3 year old. But I've heard
that at times pets too can sense loss and I don't want him to get
sick. Unfortunately at this time another ferret is not possible so
Felix will be alone. Can you offer some advice?
I know there are a number of questions I address in this note. But I
just want another opinion from someone who deals with Ferrets.
Thank you.