From:
deevecchione@cs.com
Date: 2001-10-16 10:20:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Ferret Death
Dear Tv talker,
I just lost my 5.5 year old gib, Teddy, to unexplained violent
seizures following a diagnosis of renal failure and severe anemia. He
also had adrenal disease, cardiomyopathy, and stomach ulcers. He
received the best in veterinary and supportive care, but we still
couldn't save him.
It is very sad to hear that a vet gave you such bad information.
Unfortunately, there are still many vets ignorant of the special
conditions that affect our beloved ferrets. We have no choice but to
educate ourselves, so that we can find a ferret knowledgable vet.
I recently tried to find a more local vet for my ferrets, since my
ferret specialist is 45 minutes away. I interviewed the doctor by
phone, and asked him what he knew about adrenal disease. He told me
it was Cushing's disease and caused by an overproduction of cortisol.
Not! Interview terminated! He didn't realize that he was speaking to
a ferret owner who knew more than he did. I sent him a very nice
letter, suggesting that he update his knowledge of ferrets, because
the information he gave me was inaccurate. I suggested that he
utilize all the wonderful sites that the internet has to offer, many
of which are listed under "bookmarks" to the left of your screen.
Since he didn't know that estrogen causes the symptoms of adrenal
disease, he wasn't aware of Lupron therapy as a treatment option,
therefore depriving inoperable ferrets of a comfortable life.
Unfortunately, you learned how ill-informed some vets are, at the
expense of your ferret. It is very, very sad that this had to happen.
Educate yourself and check the Miami ferret website for a "ferret
specialist" in your area, so that Felix gets appropriate treatment in
the future. Let that be Oscar's final gift to you.
I am very sorry for your loss. There is a place called the Rainbow
Bridge that we like to think our pets have gone in the afterlife.
There is a Rainbow Bridge website where you can post a eulogy and
photo of Oscar. I have used it with mine and makes me feel better.
Take care...
Dee in NJ