Swimmer's in 7 kits

[Tap]

I have saved 7 little baby ferrets from being killed by a owner and they all look like the have swimmers syndrome the front legs loo l like seal flippers they can't seem to stand up or walk only drag them self around the cage I have started them on mincemeat with crushed up egg shells just wondering what else I can do for the little babies they are 6 weeks old this Monday I don't want to see them put to sleep so any info regarding on what I can do to help the little ones would be greatly appreciated thanks

[abbeytheferret6]

I am truly sorry about the little ones. I hope you can get some answers.

[Tap]

I don't want to see them put down as this is what the vet has said I want to give them a go at life so what ever suggestions or info I can get I can at least give them a chance they don't seem to be in pain as when I pick them up they don't scream and I can massage there little legs and they don't seem to mind it

[crazylady]

Hi at six weeks old they have a chance if you can get plenty of calcium into them feed them four times a day with a liberal sprinkling of calcium ( ground up eggshells calcium powder or even cuttlefish bone ground down you can buy this for cage birds at pet stores )I would also give them some krm ( kitten replacer milk ) on a morning as this contains vits minerals and calcium yes I know a lot disagree with giving milk of any kind but I swear by it this or goats milk I give it too all mu expecting mums and kits keep us up dated as to how things go
Bev

[Heather]

There are some members who've dealt with this.....Sherry can you help with this
ciao

[Tap]

Have been giving them ground up eggshells in there meals and kitten milk but also have water in there for them I have a couple that manage to drag themselves to the litter tray and then some that can't move as good I noticed that a couple of them seems to be front and back legs but will continue to help this little girls appreciate all the help and info people are giving me

[abbeytheferret6]

Bless their hearts and do keep us updated.

[Tap]

One little one passed away last night she seemed to be the weakest out of all of them the other 5 are doing pretty good they can now lift there heads up and trying to support them self a bit more so hoping they can get stronger each day we are taking it day by day with massages and raw meat with eggshells crushed up and some goatsmilk it's such a sad thing to watch them go through but it's a joy to see them getting a bit healthier each day can only hope that they will keep fighting and growing up

[abbeytheferret6]

I am so sorry about the little one passing  Dook In Peace precious
Hoping the rest can make a complete recovery.

[Sherry]

Tap, I separated this post from nayse's so we can help you both individually. Keep on with the increased calcium, and get them started on some water therapy. Fill a sink with bathwater(for you) warm water. Ferrets have a high body temp so just lukewarm will feel like an ice bath. You want them to be comfortable. One at a time get them in the water and get them swimming and kicking their legs. That will help strengthen them at the same time. A good balanced raw diet high in calcium will help a LOT as well.

[Tap]

Hi sherry thanks for your help with these little babies I have started them on water therapy should I do this daily or every other day I an still giving them a raw diet with the crushed up eggshells and also have them on goats milk aswell some have started to raise there heads now for food I can see a little bit of improvement in them usingthere back legs I have 3 that will drag them self into the litter tray and go to the toilet and the other 3 seem to be trying but haven't mastered that yet they seem to have a lot more energy today biting each other and trying to play around with each other I am also giving there little legs massages about 3 times a day I'm taking it day by day with the babies keeping my fingers crossed that they can improve as each day passes

[vivi]

You are really amazing to take care all of that ...for so many babies. I wish we could physically help but this is not possible.
Anyway receive all these precious advices and the positive vibes that we all , mentally, send you.

[Tap]

Thanks Vivi I'm trying my hardest to keep these little ones alive and trying to give them the best little lives they deserve any sort of improvement is good and all the help is great from t bhis forum

[Tap]

Well today was a successful day gave the babies swimming therapy and 3 out of 6 were using both the front and back legs trying to move they are also lifting there head up now when I go in to feed them or give them cuddles so hoping they can improve a little more and get up on there feet I did notice today one looks like it has a bit of a curved spine but it isn't stopping her from getting around so improvement is happening I have decided that if I can get these babies some what healthy they won't be going back to there owner I will keep the 6 little ones here with me and try and make there lives more comfortable and have a somewhat normal life even if they still can't walk properly love the little girls so much breaks my heart to see them this way but so happy that they are improving thanks to everyone for the advice it's working so far will keep everyone updated on there progress if I figure out how to upload photos I will

[vivi]

Please keep us updated....our thoughts are with you.