Even though Hun-Hun was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, I believe
he finally succumbed to insulinoma. I know now, since I have been
on the FML, that the vet that treated Hun-Hun was not correct in
her assessment of Hun-Hun's disease. I wish now that I had had more
information about ferrets and had access to a wonderful source
such as the FML, then maybe Hun-Hun would still be alive.
 
Hun-Hun first had symptoms of coughing and gagging and
the first vet I took Hun-Hun to diagnosed pneumonia. After
a week Hun-Hun was still sick so I took him to another vet
and she diagnosed cardiomyopathy and liver disease after
getting the results of blood tests. She based the liver
disease on the elevated liver results and on palpation of the
abdomen. As Dr. William stated in FML issue #752 ,"Hepatitis is
commonly overdiagnosed in ferrets, as elevated liver tests
generally mean only that there is alot of fat in the liver,
which is the normal ferret response to lack of appetite.."
Hun-Hun had lost some weight due to a suppressed appetite.
 
The vet prescribed a heart medicine and a diuretic to
ease the excess fluid retention. Hun-Hun did well on
the medicine but at times was lethargic and would not
eat. While on the heart medicine he never showed signs
of difficulty in breathing and even in his last hours
he lacked this problem. What Hun-Hun did exhibit was
lethargy and lack of appetite. I was force feeding him
the last few weeks and he had no energy and had great
difficulty in even walking, he was so weak. I finally
took him to the vet to have him put to sleep when
I felt he was suffering, he would neither eat or drink.
 
So to answer your question, I really don't think that
Hun-Hun was taken by his heart problems but something
else. If he did die due to his cardiomyopathy then
he only refused to eat and drink and became so weak
I could no longer watch him suffer. If Hun-Hun was in
pain, he did not show it by groans or whimpers. To watch
him whittle down to skin and bones was a sign to me he
was in pain, even though he was not vocal about it.
 
What your vet says about difficulty in breathing is probably
true in the case of heart failure. I believe you will know when
it is time to let Nash go. It is never an easy decision, but it
is a necessary one for the love of your pet.
 
I buried Hun-Hun in my backyard and placed a stone over his
grave. I placed him in a box with his favorite blanket and
a bag of wheat puffs which he loved. Even though I will
most likely move in the future, I felt he deserved a place
to rest in the cool ground. I may not be able to visit his
grave when I move but I will always have my memories and
photographs of him.
 
I hope Nash gets over his cold very soon and try not to
dwell on losing him. Enjoy him now and when the time comes
you will make that decision with the love I know you have for him.
 
                                  Best wishes for you and Nash,
                                  Judith Gallipeau.
 
[Posted in FML issue 0754]