Some of the long-time members here may remember me posting about Max 4
1/2 years ago. At around 2 1/2 years old, Max starting showing symptoms
of early adrenal disease. When I took him in to the UT Vet Clinic for
diagnosis, the vet found an osteoma in his lower right jaw, towards the
back. At the time it was the size of a largish pea. Consultation with
the head surgeon confirmed that it was basically inoperable...removal
would require removing most of Max' lower jawbone. At the time the vets
gave Max around 6 months to live.

Max thoroughly enjoyed proving the excellent vets at UT to be wrong. He
patiently endured 4 1/2 years of monthly depolupron shots to keep his
adrenal symptoms under control. Over the years he accumulated one of
the largest files at the Vet Clinic, not to mention quite a fan club!
Max was a great ferret ambassador.

As Max' osteoma slowly grew, he transitioned from Bob's Chicken Gravy
to a blend of A/D and Gerber's chicken. Even though he could no longer
chew, he ate well and maintained his weight, along with "alpha" status
in our business.

Max was diagnosed with insulinoma about eight months ago, and tolerated
a growing dose of prednisone. His spirits remained good until a couple
of weeks ago, when he began to suffer fluid build up and loss of motor
control.

Tuesday night Max barely touched his dinner. Yesterday he pretty much
refused to eat - I got him to take a few cc's of watered babyfood, but
that was all. Last night Harry and I sadly made the decision that it
was time to send him on his way today, but Max decided to save us that
sad journey. He passed in his sleep last night.

Mischief will be eagerly waiting for him at the Bridge.

We'll miss you, Smooshable. Thanks for giving us so many extra years.

Melissa & Harry Bell, Merlin, Buddy and Fae...missing Max & Mischief.

[Posted in FML 5499]