From:
Shirley Hewett
Date: 2001-12-05 02:15:00 UTC
Subject: Phantom Pregnancy Weight Gain
I posted this poser to the Ferret Health List during a time
when Yahoo was having a few problems and it didn't seem to
make the digest. So, with apologies for those who did receive
it already, and thanks to Alicia at Ferretwise, Mike Janke,
Danee DeVore and Patty Austin who responded, I'm reposting to
FML.
"Sabrina" was handed in as a ten month old "biter". She
didn't bite, but she did come into season. Because she was so
tiny and frail, I opted to have her brought out of season by
an injection at the vet's, rather than by a vasectomised hob.
She put on weight as is normal for a ferret experiencing a
phantom pregnancy...then more weight ....and even more, until
she is now the fattest ferret I have ever seen in my life. And
believe me, I have seen my share of ferrets and have had many
ferrets brought out of season by injection and v.hobs over the
years. She has been to a very ferret savvy vet since, who
found her in perfect health, apart from her obesity. Her
hormone injection was administered on September 1, so she is
way past her "due date". Blood tests are all fine. She is
simply too fat. If you want a pic of her to see how fat, you
can find it at the FHL files as an attachment to message 8677,
or if you e-mail me. I will send you a pic.
"Sabrina" is happy, dances like there is nobody watching,
chases the ducks, terrorises "Arizaphael" and is an utter
darling.
She is currently on a diet but, honestly, she doesn't eat that
much.
Please, has anybody come across this before? I am stressing
out and even though my friend Emma keeps telling "Sabrina"
that she will get stretch marks, I can't get her weight down.
"Sabrina" is free range with 12 other ferrets in the house and
large back yard here in Australia. Her diet is usually raw
beef, high quality biscuits and lactose free milk with egg
yolk and cream, but is rather more fat-restricted now.
Any input will be appreciated
Love & Dooks
Shirley