Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2013 12:24:13 GMT -5
I have questions about my ferret's health and don't know if it's an emergency or not and we just moved to another state so taking him to his regular vet isn't an option. Here are all the details about my little guy:
He is a 7 yr. old male with adrenal disease. He is on his fourth implant, each of which seem to last approx. 4-6 months. He is eating, drinking and pooping regularly, with about half of his stools being a little runny, half being solid and normal. About 6 months ago or so vet said he could have bananas, and as much as he wanted since he was so old and loves them so much. I have been giving him about a 1 inch section per day. His weight was low so vet also recommended ice cream, but K'weazl wasn't interested. Since then he has continued to lose weight everywhere gradually, except for his belly which has gotten pretty bloated. So bloated that with the loss of muscle in his hind legs he can barely get around and is very awkward. His back feet drag and he falls down a lot, especially when he first wakes. He sleeps nearly all of the time and is generally tired. Recently he has started trembling a bit and getting a little twitchy/lightly jerking at times. He has begun wheezing a bit at times too when he is sleeping. With the large belly his blue spot above his pee hole looks much larger, but vet says it's normal. Vet also says the belly is just weight gain but my intuition says otherwise. He doesn't look fat, he looks like he swallowed a grapefruit. His coat is in good shape considering he has had adrenal disease for so long. His skin is thin, his ribs and other bones show. He seems to be getting along, albeit with much effort and low energy. I have cut back his banana intake, which pains me because it seems to be about the only thing that really brings him joy besides his velcro chewing habit. Currently he gets around for about 2-3 minutes a day, prompted by me for exercise, but otherwise sleeps, eats, drinks, poops and repeats. I feel fortunate that he has gotten very affectionate and likes to be held often and seems soothed being held against my chest getting kisses.
Ok, that's a lot of info, but hopefully it helps to give an overall picture. I'm in a new town, without employment, with virtually no funds and need to know if I should take him in for a vet visit or if I should just continue to keep him comfortable until something more significant arises. Another question would be if there is a humane way to help him transition that I can do at home or if I am forced to take him into the vet for this at much cost. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. He is my little partner in crime and I want him to have peace and comfort as long as possible, and want to let him go as soon as his quality of life fails. Thank you.
He is a 7 yr. old male with adrenal disease. He is on his fourth implant, each of which seem to last approx. 4-6 months. He is eating, drinking and pooping regularly, with about half of his stools being a little runny, half being solid and normal. About 6 months ago or so vet said he could have bananas, and as much as he wanted since he was so old and loves them so much. I have been giving him about a 1 inch section per day. His weight was low so vet also recommended ice cream, but K'weazl wasn't interested. Since then he has continued to lose weight everywhere gradually, except for his belly which has gotten pretty bloated. So bloated that with the loss of muscle in his hind legs he can barely get around and is very awkward. His back feet drag and he falls down a lot, especially when he first wakes. He sleeps nearly all of the time and is generally tired. Recently he has started trembling a bit and getting a little twitchy/lightly jerking at times. He has begun wheezing a bit at times too when he is sleeping. With the large belly his blue spot above his pee hole looks much larger, but vet says it's normal. Vet also says the belly is just weight gain but my intuition says otherwise. He doesn't look fat, he looks like he swallowed a grapefruit. His coat is in good shape considering he has had adrenal disease for so long. His skin is thin, his ribs and other bones show. He seems to be getting along, albeit with much effort and low energy. I have cut back his banana intake, which pains me because it seems to be about the only thing that really brings him joy besides his velcro chewing habit. Currently he gets around for about 2-3 minutes a day, prompted by me for exercise, but otherwise sleeps, eats, drinks, poops and repeats. I feel fortunate that he has gotten very affectionate and likes to be held often and seems soothed being held against my chest getting kisses.
Ok, that's a lot of info, but hopefully it helps to give an overall picture. I'm in a new town, without employment, with virtually no funds and need to know if I should take him in for a vet visit or if I should just continue to keep him comfortable until something more significant arises. Another question would be if there is a humane way to help him transition that I can do at home or if I am forced to take him into the vet for this at much cost. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. He is my little partner in crime and I want him to have peace and comfort as long as possible, and want to let him go as soon as his quality of life fails. Thank you.
I am so very, very sorry.
