From:
roxannh53
Date: 2001-12-25 23:37:00 UTC
Subject: New kit with lethargy
I got two six week old ferrets from a pet shop on Sunday. They are
neutered, descented, and have their preliminary canine distemper
vaccinations. One of them is not completely healthy. He seemed fine
except for sneezing when he arrived home. After his first nap his
sneezing was worse and he was becoming lethargic. Since then he has
continued to be very lethargic. He ate a little on Sunday, but was
not eating well yesterday. I gave him food from my finger. He licked
up some and I pushed small amounts off my finger onto his tongue so
he wouldn't asperate. His stool was very loose with mucous. I gave
him about four drops of an over-the-counter pet pectillin formula for
diarrhea that was recommeded for puppies, kittens, and birds.
Today he has stopped sneezing, his stools are firmer, and he is
eating a little on his own. I am still continuing to finger feed him.
He seems more lethargic and is only awake long enough to eat and
defecate.
I called the shop and they offered to trade him for another ferret,
but I don't feel that sending a sick baby back to the shop is a good
idea. I expect they will either ignore him or pass him along to some
one else who won't know how to care for him.
What are your suggestion for next steps? The other kit is fine and
doesn't understand why his buddy won't play.