Message Number: YG13800 | New FHL Archives Search
From: caitlynmaire@earthlink.net
Date: 2002-06-12 22:13:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Pumpkin is dead

Hi, Joan,

> I'm now three
> for three. The first two died at the vets after surgery and this one
> died in my arms. Now I'm afraid to ever try again.

I am very, very sorry for your loss. Our vet has done 13 surgeries on
our ferrets to date. 12 were successful, and the other one he
discovered so much wrong that he advised us (while still in the OR) not
to let her wake up. I don't consider that to be his fault.

My point: perhaps you need to find a better veterinary surgeon.
Please, please, please do not give up on surgery as treatment for
ferrets. In some cases not having surgery is tantamount to a death
sentence. I doubt my Pertwee, Podo, or Avon would be here today if they
hadn't had timely and probably life saving surgeries. Deciding, after
three bad experiences, that you are afraid to let that vet do surgery
again makes sense. Deciding that nobody can do surgery does not.

I know how painful losing one of these little ones is. Please take some
solace in knowing you did all you could to give them the best life
possible in your home.

All the best,
Caity and the notorious nine