From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2006-03-07 00:17:44 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] RE: very sad situation
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Okay, a couple of tips: Insulinoma is usually better controlled by
providing Pred twice a day instead of once, and if there is any liver
damage then Prednisolone will be more effective than Prednisone.
This is because the liver processes prednisone into prednisolone
before the body can use it, so you skip a liver processing step by
giving prednisolone.
>
> She is now totally bald - doesnt have much muscle mass -
Okay, those symptoms are not from her insulinoma; they are from
adrenal tumors.
For these when surgery is not considered you need to provide Lupron
Depot and melatonin. Here is information to start you on those:
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/basics.htm
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/adrenal.htm
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/melatonin.htm
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/24hr_lupron.htm
> AND has a large tumor and 2 smaller tumors. She looks horrible -
> and it saddens me every time I look at her.
>
> The thing is- she has so much energy - more than she did 2 years
> ago. She runs around - eats, goes to the bathroom - just fine.
> The vet said as long as she stays in this condition - shes ok to
> keep alive.
More than that; she deserves to be alive when she is doing well.
>
> NOW thats the issue - I love her very much and have no interest in
> putting her to sleep UNLESS I know she is in pain (which even the
> vet agreed that she doesnt seem to be). THe only problem is about
> 2 weeks ago she started going to the bathroom anywhere and
> everywhere around the apartment. My boyfriend is horrified by
> this and not only wants to keep her caged 24-7, but would like to
> have her euthenized because she looks so bad and to him - her
> pooping everywhere is a sign of not being "with it" any longer.
Well, you know the rule of thumb for ferret lovers: if it would be a
reasonable action for a human in that position then it would be a
reasonable action for a ferret. Otherwise, find a solution.
In this case the medications are part of the solution. The rest is
to suit things to her loss of muscle mass and the abdominal fat that
she has probably gained from the adrenal disease and in part from the
Pred.
Buy litter pots that have low entrances. Put down paper where she
regularly "goes". Do NOT clean those areas with ammonia because that
will attract her and say that it is proper toilet area. Its smell is
too much like urine.
Get her checked for possible urinary infection secondary to adrenal
disease; a few females get those. We had one like that years ago.
> This is something I just cant do based on those reasons. Ive known
> her for 7 years - her personality hasnt changed at all - she still
> comes up to me to be held. I think he just wants to get rid of her
> because of how she looks.
Again, what one would do for a human is how one should react to a
loved four footed family member...
>
> My question though is I want to know if you guys think the way the
> vet and I do - that until she shows signs of being in pain - shes
> ok to keep alive.
It's the only fair and loving way to think, I believe. Mercy shots
are best reserved for when they actually are a true mercy for the
animal.
> THANK YOU!!
-- Sukie (not a vet)
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