From:
"US7"
Date: 2005-05-31 02:50:21 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] ferret getting worse!
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <15778003.1117508616533.JavaMail.nobody@vanadium.smartgroups.com>
Yes, I would concur with Julie.
I know that often it's a matter of money, but when ferrets are seriously ill they need
to be taken to a vet, preferrably one who is experienced with ferrets. It is important
to find a ferret-knowledgeable vet BEFORE your ferrets ever get sick. I cannot stress
this enough. A good relationship with a ferret-knowledgeable vet is priceless.
Ferrets are the type of animal which do not show illnesses early on, and when you
notice symptoms of an illness it's usually progressed to the point that something
needs to be done very soon, if not NOW.
The alternative is putting your ferret at risk. There is no way around this fact. I know
that this forum is to help people and ferrets who do not have immediate access to a
ferret vet, and that's a good thing ;) But there are times when you should not wait to
have your ferret seen by a vet. I cannot stress this enough. Sometimes the difference
of a couple of hours can be the difference between the life and death of your ferret.
I hope nobody takes this as a flame, but I think that we have to remind ourselves of
this every once in awhile. I know that we all care about our ferrets very much, or we
wouldn't belong to a forum as important as this one. I belong to this forum so I can
better recognize problems before they become critical. I lost a ferret once because I
didn't realize anything was seriously wrong. I'm doing my best to never let that
happen again.
I hope things go well with Ellie and every other ferret who's having problems at the
moment. My thoughts and prayers are with all you guys.
Roary
Albuquerque, NM
[Co-Moderator's Note: The list does exist partly to help those who do not have
ready access to a vet but that is not the primary reason, since --as the Co-
Moderators here repeat regularly -- there is NO substitute for hands on care of a
ferret-knowledgeable veterinarian. In fact, we even are among those with a list of
member recommended vets (in the Reference Shelf within Files). Obviously, the FHL
serves a great many functions and I see no reason to try listing them, but it is
important to know that it has never been considered to be a substitute for
veterinary care by those who run it.]