From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-07-24 02:23:21 UTC
Subject: RE: Precious'' tail...thank you...
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <3691246.1122171801723.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
We've had four ferrets with different kinds of amputations and in general all went well but a problem arose over time that luckily has a solution.
One came to us from a shelter with the antibiotics stopped too soon, and another had to have a second antibiotic added post-op, but that is pretty much it with the surgeries and both of those responded well, so no big deal.
We've found that it pays to have a big flesh pad at the end because all of them had a lot of tissue retraction over time (especially if toes are amputated in our experiences), so we learned that to avoid exposed bone over time (and then corrective surgery) it's best for the surgeon to leave a generous flesh pad at the end if possible.
Others may have had other experiences.
BTW, our Sherman who had just a stub of tail left (The shelter had to amputate due to gangrene.) moved like a little bear cub, which got him his share of fans. Both he and a dear friend of Steve's (who adored Shermie and had planned to work a little guy like Sherman into one of his books or scripts before he passed prematurely) were both quite eccentric and are both departed, and I often can't think of one without thinking fondly of both and all the happiness they brought, especially for Steve.