From:
dsauter@rexairinc.com
Date: 2003-03-13 17:30:38 UTC
Subject: Age Expectations
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <32715260.1047576638594.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Hi friends. My Eeyore, the last survivor of my original 5 is now about 8 1/2. She is adrenal and on lupron. She has been adrenal for 1 year and has not shown any other signs then the fur loss which has recovered. Her adrenal gland on palpation is very slighty enlarged.
During out of cage time, Eeyore will dance around and investigate new items in the ferret room for about 15 minutes...then she will snuggle in somewhere and sleep about another 15, then come out again and investigate and then back in she goes and will sleep for a few hours until out again. If I bring a new toy or box in the room she will play as long as 20 or so minutes before napping. She has no signs of muscle atrophy or wasting from the adrenal. She exhibits slight hind leg weakness only when it comes to climbing up on something. When she plays she is fully alert showing no signs of low blood sugar. BUT she is up a short short time before napping again..
She seems to slow down a bit more each month - which is understandable being that a month is an equivelant to about a year in ferret years.. My question is: What is the expectation for this age in regards to playtime, awake time, alert time. I know the adrenal is in consideration here, I am keeping a sharp eye out for any drastic slow downs or changes in eating etc. Should I expect at 8 1/2 the slow downs will be more noticable each month that passes? I wish I could get an idea from others who know what the "norm" is for an 8 1/2 year old.. I know illness etc factors in.. Any info on what anyone has experienced or what is expected with this age is highly appreciated. I want some reassurance Eeyore is on track and where she should be. If she is lacking and not up to par for a 8 1/2 year old girl, I want to know to address it further.
Thank you,
di