From:
Pam Sessoms
Date: 2002-09-28 03:55:32 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] How do I know if my ferret's in shock?
To: amy_daveseyler@hotmail.com
cc: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <Pine.A41.4.44+UNC.0209272342140.30714-100000@login5.isis.unc.edu>
OK, big ole disclaimer about me not being a vet, etc, etc, etc... But
it's late and I'm not sure how many people are still up, so here goes.
I've only had a couple of ferrets in a shock-like state and they were
progressively less responsive, very quiet, not sleeping in the usual comfy
ferret positions (tending to stay in whatever position placed in), and
became cool. But these guys were REALLY bad off and obviously needed to
be at the vet (yes, they got there as quickly as possible). So I suspect
your girl isn't that bad.
I'd watch for lethargy, of course. Offer a treat and get concerned if she
won't take it or if she only stashes it but doesn't eat it. Watch how she
is sleeping - is she in a normal relaxed position or maybe out straight
and more stiff than usual? Watch for breathing more quickly than normal
and for the whiskers moving back and forth with each breath (seems to me
that usually the whiskers tend to move if the breathing is labored or the
ferret is actively sniffing something interesting). Looking at you with
squinty eyes can be a sign of pain. Lameness, walking with the back
either not curved enough or even the opposite (back looking too peaked).
Check foot pad and gum color and watch for pallor. Gums should also be
slippery, not dry or tacky. If kinda lethargic, check a temp if you can
and get to that other vet if it's below normal (101-102).
Good luck, and best wishes,
-Pam S.