I am posting this for my friend Margaret, who doesn't yet have
access to the list.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Margaret's 7 year old ferret Boo, who has been generally healthy
and very active, bouncy, etc. all her life, has just been recovering
from a cough (for which she had an antibiotic) and an inflamed gum
where she had some teeth pulled in January.
 
When Margaret took her out to play in the yard on Saturday night,
Boo seemed to be playing normally, then "she had real trouble
hiking herself back up the carpeted stair to the apartment upstairs.
It's as if her rear legs aren't working properly or as if she can't
feel them.  She would fall over in that funny way as if one of her
rear legs had given out. She seemed a bit confused.  I put down
some food for her, she came out to get it and walked right past the bowl.
I had to place her in front of it.  She ate happily, but while I was
on the phone I could hear her trying to hike herself back into her
drawer and she couldn't get over the back edge.  I had to help her."
 
Margaret is *VERY* upset, and since she lives in Rolla, Missouri, the
vet in her town doesn't know much (if anything) about ferrets.  She
asked me to ask for advice and help, and also if anyone knows any
good ferret vet in St. Louis, Missouri, which is relatively close to her.
 
If anyone does have any advice, could you send email to [log in to unmask]
or telephone (314) 364-4741.
 
Thanks!  Victoria Hadfield
[Posted in FML issue 1132]