From:
jgalarneau72@juno.com
Date: 2003-12-30 03:47:54 UTC
Subject: hind leg wasting
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <1141999.1072756074112.JavaMail.root@indium.smartgroups.com>
Keiko is almost 8 years old and has had insulinoma for almost two years. She has always been very petite but in the past 6 months she has lost much of her fur and her weight loss/muscle loss has made her not much more than wrinkly skin and bones. She has a great appetite (eats mostly chicken baby food with kibble always available for munching) and she seems perky and playful.
The other morning she was chasing after a toy and I commented that I haven't seen her run and play like that in a long, long time. The next morning her rear legs seemed to be paralyzed. She held them out straight and stiff and dragged herself around. She has become quite wobbly lately and weak in the hind end and this seemed like "the end". All day I considered what my next step would be with her - none of it positive. That evening I took her out of the cage and she was walking again! Her legs seem weaker each day they also seem to grow impossibly thinner each day as well. I can see the purple color of her pelvic bone through her thin skin now.
I worry, however, about suffering. She has a good appetite and still seems alert. I am assuming she isn't suffering. I know she
won't get better. Or can she? Once wasting has progressed this much, is there anything that can be done? Will she eventually have hind leg paralysis? Can it come and go? What can I do to prolong her comfort and quality of life? I hate to ask this, but when do I know when it is time to help her cross over?
The ferrets I have previously lost have either died relatively fast or unexpected. I have never nursed one for so long. It really does make it harder to cope. I'd appreciate any feedback as to what I can expect and what I can do to help.
Thanks :)