My 2 1/2 year old ferret has been ill for the last week.  I'm hoping
someone may be able to give me advice about what can be done.  Especially
if there is a vet reading this, I would greatly appreciate any advice since
there is not a ferret specialist in my neck of the woods (northern Ontario
in Canada).
 
I brought my ferret in to see the vet after noticing he was dragging his
hind legs.  Vet took Xrays - nothing showed up.  She gave him some sort of
pain reliever and he is currently taking 1.25 mg of prednisone to reduce
swelling around the spinal column.  Vet said he seemed sore about 1 1/2 to
2 inches down the spine from the shoulder blades (still in the area of the
rib cage).  I have no idea what caused the injury if it is an injury.  He
was unable to use his litter box, was lethargic and ate little.  He stayed
overnight at the animal hospital.  Was given subcutaneous fluids.
 
I watched him progress a little - started to use one corner of the small
cage I put him in to keep him calm.  He had a little energy burst on
Saturday, He rummaged through his litter box.  I've since moved him to his
larger cage.
 
On Sunday I noticed how skinny he really is when I was washing him -
again having trouble with defecation.  He has pretty much stopped eating
altogether.  I am trying to feed him baby chicken food, since he won't eat
his kibble.  I've tried grinding, mixing with other things etc.  He will
still lick up his Ferretone though.
 
Today I'm really worried.  I noticed an enlarged area about an inch in
diameter - located about 1 1/2 inches up from his hind legs on the right
side of his body near the underside.  I have no idea what to do.  I am
seeing the local vet again on Tues Sept. 5 (tomorrow) [today].  Please
email with advice or inspiration.
 
Thanks,
Allison Denomme
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[Posted in FML issue 3165]