From:
sharonl1@frontiernet.net
Date: 2004-07-28 17:57:09 UTC
Subject: What to expect post-op?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <3162391.1091037429622.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
This past Saturday night my 3.5 year male Snowford had emergency surgery to remove an intestinal obstruction, which looks like a hairball. The surgery was performed at an out of town emergency vet. Monday morning we picked him up from there, and brought him to a local vet hospital since he still had a jugular catheter inserted, and wasn't eating/drinking. While at the new vets, he was eating/drinking/peeing/pooping, and the cath was removed. We picked him up Tuesday.
This is my first experience with a sick ferret. I've set up a 'recovery room' in a large bathroom, with plenty of sheets/towels/soft stuff for him to snuggle in. He is eating and drinking, but not to the extent as when he is well. He is also sleeping a lot. He is extremely skinny now, and unsteady on his feet.
How should the recovery proceed? When should I get worried about the unsteadiness and skinnyness? I bought some Gerber's chicken food for him today, but haven't tried it yet.
Any articles, hints/tips, advise or general support would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!