From:
"Jeff"
Date: 2007-01-23 04:11:12 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Remembering Neo
To: <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
I joined this list about 4 months ago when our 4 year old ferret Neo became acutely ill. I was looking for answers, direction, support.... what ever I could find to help figure out what was wrong with Neo and get him cured.
As one who was admittedly not particularly knowledgeable about ferrets at the time, I received a great deal of direction and support from so many members of this list who shared their experiences and knowledge with me. It was a tremendous help, and over the last few months I have learned more than I could have dreamed about ferret health, ferret care, and ferret spirit through extensive reading and research online.
Neo had a bad case of ulcers, a large and aggressive pancreatic tumor, and an enlarged left adrenal. Through numerous medication protocols, through surgery, and through 5 or 6 daily feedings and adiministration of meds, Neo always fought hard to get back to health. His spirits remained high and he did everything we asked of him in his usual gentle way. He was able to beat the ulcers, he got through the surgery for the tumor and for the adrenal gland relatively well, and he continued to fight each day despite what seems to be the most aggressive case of insulinoma that I have read or heard about through all of my research on the subject.
Despite being given high doses of pred and proglycem, and despite regular feedings of his special soup every 4 or 5 hours, Neo had a violent seizure for the first time on Saturday. He was out for about 20 minutes before we could revive him, yet he did come back, and 30 minutes later he was eating a full meal. But, after all he has been through, we knew we were now asking too much of him, more than was physically possible any more. The insulinoma continued to rage over the weekend, but we were with him at all times, and with the high doses of meds and regular feedings, he had a peaceful weekend with us. We were able to say our goodbyes on our terms, knowing that he would not have to endure pain or siezures or bodily weakness any more. His last days in this life were filled with peace and love. We put him to sleep this morning in our loving arms while telling him it was okay to go. We told him how proud we are of him and how brave he had been these past four months. He was so strong of spirit, yet so gentle in every way. Please say a little prayer that he may find the painless and peaceful existance that he so much deserves.
Thank you all for your help and guidance, and special thanks to the moderators for the time it takes to unite a community like this online. The work you do is so valuable to so many people and ferrets.
Jeff Rosenberg
In Memory of our beloved Neo
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