From:
"Tressie"
Date: 2010-11-12 15:48:19 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Young ferret dies
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I am very sorry for your loss.
There are numerous conditions that can result in what appears to be 'sudden death.' As already stated the only way to know for certain is to have the necropsy done. (I had always assumed a necropsy included pathology analysis, however, I have learned that not all vets send out samples to pathologists, presumably because its an additional cost to the owner).
Your header states "young ferret" - to clarify, a five year-old is considered a senior. This is an age when most serious health issues are already manifesting overtly. I believe the recommended wisdom is to begin annual, if not semi-annual health checks by the time a ferret reaches three years of age. By four most are already dealing with the beginnings of serious disease (i.e., one of the 3 biggies - insulinoma, adrenal disease and/or lymphoma).
The current thinking in human medicine is that everyone will eventually get cancer - if they live long enough. Cancer for the most part in humans is becoming an age related disease. I think the same can be said for ferrets - the vast majority will eventually get one of the three major illnesses they are prone to. Some will and do acquire all three.
Having stated that, there is no way to know for certain without a necropsy what the cause of death in your little one would have been.
Once again, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Tressie
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