Hello, everyone, again.  I've been lurking for a while quietly, but now,
I'm afraid I need help.
 
I have two ferrets, for those who are new or missed me last time, Loki
and Balder.  Balder is of unknown age, and is a neutered, descented MF
male.  Here's the problem:
 
About a week ago, Balder began vomiting.  Knowing that this is highly
unusual for a fert, I put him under close watch in his cage and called
the OSU Vet. College, where I take my babies for their exams. Well, he
vomited again, so I took him into the emergency vet.
 
A preliminary radiograph showed nothing (both my vet and I suspected a
blockage, since his vomiting was accompanied by lethargy), and bloodwork
showed only that he was severely dehydrated, probably from the vomiting.
Palpations of the glands showed nothing abnormal.
 
After two nights in ICU, where he received subcutaneous fluids and daily
bloodwork.  (the $ is adding up by now).  The vet pronounced him okay and
said I could come pick him up, that he hadn't vomited again.  Well, just
before I arrived to pick him up, guess what Balder did!?  Barf!
 
He then continued to remain in the ICU.  Another radiograph, with a barium
trace found nothing.  The vet concluded that Balder has a congenital defect
that includes hypomotility of the esophagus.  Although she is at a loss as
to what could have triggered the vomiting and inflammation, she has
pronounced him suddenly unable to eat dry food and required to be medicated
3X a day, for at least 10 days, possibly for the rest of his life.
 
Has anyone had any experience of this??  And how best to medicate a ferret??
I've already done it four times, but he HATES it!!!!  He froths, shakes, and
digs at his mouth.  I know it doesn't HURT him, so I guess it just tastes
bad.  I have to give him a pill, which I cover with NutriCal and he licks
right up.  However, the liquid med.s I have to inject (sans needle, of
course) into his mouth.  That's where the problems are.
 
Also, what kind of options are there for soft ferret food??
 
Thank you for your help.  The FML is wonderful (thanks BIG)!
 
Carrie, Rick, Loki (I miss my buddy.), and Balder (ew, ick ACK ICK!!!)
[Posted in FML issue 2415]