From:
bobelly28
Date: 2002-05-25 18:44:00 UTC
Subject: Ferret with a Tumor, comfort measures
Hi,
I have a 4 1/2 year old male albino ferret named Polar. Over 1 1/2
wks ago I took him to the vet due to diarrhea that was not resloving
with kaopectate . The vet said he had a virus and gave him some fluid
under the skin and several shots and antibiotics to give him. His
diarrhea seems to get a little better but not much, it started to
look grainy then loose. I figured it would have to run it's course.
I keep giving him h20 and duck soup which he took with no problem.
Then I noticed that if I was not feeding him or giving him h20 he was
not taking it and he was having trouble walking so I took him back to
the vet.
Well now the vet felt his stomach and felt a mass. I even felt it! He
took a xray and there was a large tumor 3/4 the size of a golf ball.
Now he says he has Cancer. He did not recommend surgery since he said
any exploratory surgery would not do much help. I asked him how long
he has to lie and he didn't know. He just told me to keep feeding and
giving him h20 if the takes it and he gave me vitamins to give him.
I am devestated. Ywo weeks ago he was running and playing and now he
is dying. He seems to be just wasting away and he is now dragging his
legs. Is there ANY thing I can do to make him more comfortable. It's
seems cruel to watch him like this. Is he in pain? Can I give him
something for the pain like aspirn? Would it be more humane to put
him asleep. The vet did not suggest this option.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Shelly