Post by Sherry on Jan 16, 2011 19:04:18 GMT -5
From Heather-
*Shelter shock is deadly. It can be called many things...but depression is the easiest thing to describe it as. Quite simply put the ferret curls up and dies, sometimes there's nothing you can do except offer outside assistance and try and get your little one to take an interest in life. It's terrifying because in truth except for making sure that your little one gets the necessities of life, you will loose this ferret and it has nothing to do with the animals physical state. In cases like this working closely with your vet is an absolute necessity. Cases have been known that IV fluids and forced syringe feedings have to be used. I've dealt with it twice. In both cases the ferrets absolute neglect of self (grooming, potty) is noted, they will refuse to drink water and eat food. They will curl up in the back of a cage or if moved will curl up in some dark corner. No interest is shown in any activity or other ferret. Mischief, developed ulcers and required sub q fluids. Napoleon gave back life and dignity to Mischief. Calypso....ahhh my little Calypso. She's still giving me grief. She's never found that little something that makes her life worth living. She's not sick....but she's not happy either
. She would not eat if she had the choice ( I hand feed her 2 sometimes 3 x a day) She will occasionally pick up a mouse on her own and the last month or so has begun walking around and checking out the house after everyone has gone to bed. Maybe.....but I can't make her want to live, I can only supply the opportunity. That's where the people aspect comes in. Ferrets like this are treated as at risk and are weighed in on a weekly basis, coats are checked for filth and sores.
Hopefully, you will get others who will help you with this topic. It really should be discussed as there are a number of people who have and do rescues. Out of all my ferrets, I've only had 2 possibly 3 that have suffered this horrible set back.*
*Shelter shock is deadly. It can be called many things...but depression is the easiest thing to describe it as. Quite simply put the ferret curls up and dies, sometimes there's nothing you can do except offer outside assistance and try and get your little one to take an interest in life. It's terrifying because in truth except for making sure that your little one gets the necessities of life, you will loose this ferret and it has nothing to do with the animals physical state. In cases like this working closely with your vet is an absolute necessity. Cases have been known that IV fluids and forced syringe feedings have to be used. I've dealt with it twice. In both cases the ferrets absolute neglect of self (grooming, potty) is noted, they will refuse to drink water and eat food. They will curl up in the back of a cage or if moved will curl up in some dark corner. No interest is shown in any activity or other ferret. Mischief, developed ulcers and required sub q fluids. Napoleon gave back life and dignity to Mischief. Calypso....ahhh my little Calypso. She's still giving me grief. She's never found that little something that makes her life worth living. She's not sick....but she's not happy either
. She would not eat if she had the choice ( I hand feed her 2 sometimes 3 x a day) She will occasionally pick up a mouse on her own and the last month or so has begun walking around and checking out the house after everyone has gone to bed. Maybe.....but I can't make her want to live, I can only supply the opportunity. That's where the people aspect comes in. Ferrets like this are treated as at risk and are weighed in on a weekly basis, coats are checked for filth and sores.Hopefully, you will get others who will help you with this topic. It really should be discussed as there are a number of people who have and do rescues. Out of all my ferrets, I've only had 2 possibly 3 that have suffered this horrible set back.*