On 8-Apr-04
>From:    James - SBC <[log in to unmask]>
>
>I need some advise.  Our oldest ferret, Riley, is 8 1/2 yrs old (one
>of two we actually had the Marshall certificate on) is loosing weight
>dramatically.
 
While I have seen weight-loss in older ferrets, it's not usually been
drastic or rapid.  Usually they don't put on their winter weight, or
just dwindle as time passes.  You should be able to tell at regular vet
checkups when they weigh them and compare to previous weights.
 
In my experiences with rapid weightloss, I saw drastic weight loss in
two of my older kids.  In spite of receiving Hairball tonic every day,
I still had two little girls that were eating, pooping, drinking, and
starving to death due to large hairballs.  I would recommend a vet visit,
even though stressful, and possibly an X-ray.
 
It happens so fast, and by the time the vet diagnosed one of my girls,
did the surgery that day, she was too weak to make it through the
recovery.  The other girl made it through, but didn't really ever
recover.
 
Good luck!
 
Regards,
Monica
Calgary, AB Canada
[Posted in FML issue 4480]