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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2016 7:25:38 GMT -5
We lost Catty this morning due to insulinoma. He has two cage mates that are going to miss him terribly. Can someone describe what kind of behavior I should be looking for to determine if they are having issues and what I can do? This is our first time going through this with ferrets.
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Post by Thérèse on Aug 19, 2016 8:10:16 GMT -5
This can be very personal to the specific ferrets but look out especially for lethargy, going off on their own and not eating. Some ferrets also can present with anger.
One of the best ways to help them deal with the death of a buddy is to let them view the body. Alow them time with their passed friend to say their goodbyes in their own way. Some groom their friend, some lay with them, some try to rouse them. If this is still possible to do and you have not done it I would say that this is one of the biggest aids to helping your ferrets process the loss of their friend and would recommend you do it.
Condolences to you too, on the passing of Catty. Lots of loving will help your other ferrets and you can help each other through your grief.
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Post by Sherry on Aug 19, 2016 10:29:18 GMT -5
Did they have a chance to see his body after? That helps tremendously with the grieving process. There are a wide variety of symptoms to watch for. From searching(if they didn't see the body), to crying, to anger and acting out, basically anything on the emotional gamut. Main ones to watch for are stopping eating and drinking and just curling up to follow their friend to the bridge. Give tons of attention, use rescue remedy liberally, and be ready to syringe feed if necessary.
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Post by Sherry on Aug 19, 2016 10:29:49 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2016 20:49:48 GMT -5
Thank you both. We did bring his body home to bury so we were able to let the girls see him. I thought this was the way to go but was nervous it would be too traumatic so thank you for the advice.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2016 7:28:49 GMT -5
I've been reading some of the posts you suggested Sherry, and now I'm not sure we did right with the body. After the girls walked away the first time, we put Catty in the freezer cause my husband didn't have it in him to bury him right away last night. I'm thinking that we should have left him out longer for the girls to fully process. Can I put him out again even though he's frozen?? I was kind of out of my mind yesterday. My husband lost his father Monday and these two events combined have us both spinning.
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Post by unclejoe on Aug 20, 2016 8:12:36 GMT -5
I'm sorry for your loss. DIP Catty
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Post by Sherry on Aug 20, 2016 10:17:36 GMT -5
yes you can. However it all depends on the individual ferret. some are fine with walking away. The two I think you are referring to would be Boris and Athena who refused to accept their bonded mate's passing. Those ones were exceedingly bonded to the lost mate, so much so that they refused to accept anyone else into their space.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2017 1:33:19 GMT -5
give her some time and make sure she is maintaining weight and staying hydrated. so sorry
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