Hello all,
 
My sincere condolences to all who have recently lost their friends or who
have ones plagued by illness.  There have been so many people posting
lately with stories of unbelievable tragedy, and I cry at each one.  Try
to take some comfort in knowing that your animals lived their lives knowing
they were loved.  No matter how long they were with you, they were cared
for, played with, had food, clean water and shelter, and the security of
knowing someone cared for them.  I know all this sounds trite, but nothing
can truly erase the pain.  Believe me, I know.  I lost my precious Weasel a
year ago last April.  Her pictures are displayed, but it's only now that I
can pass them and smile at her memory instead of having my heart contort.
Who knows what happens ?  I do believe love never goes away.
 
I would appreciate some help.  One of my rescues, Mortimee, had a blockage,
(string-and all this time I never knew it was tasty !), removed about six
weeks ago.  He lost a considerable amount of weight - I would venture
approximately 1/4 his total mass.  He has recovered from the surgery
beautifully.  He is alert, playful , and has a good appetite.  My concern
is that he does not seem to be recovering a significant amount of weight.
Blood work, tests, etc.  all come back just fine.  He and the others have
access to plenty of kibble and water bottles, but I also hand feed him
daily about 3 1/2 oz.of duck soup, about a 1 1/2" ribbon of Nutri-Cal, and
some plain, cooled, chopped chicken ; I'm guessing about two tablespoons .
He is the only one of my nine who will actually eat beef or chicken.
 
He eats with great gusto, stools are normal.  My vet is of the opinion
that he is just one of those ferrets that gains weight very slowly.  As he
was dumped, we have no idea as to how old he is, but I would venture from
dentition that he is at least four and perhaps older.  Granted, it is
summer, and my others are all in their trim "summer mode", but he is still
underweight.  Perhaps this is trauma compounded by the season ?  Any
formulas or ideas ?  I would truly appreciate your input.  He is in no
danger, but I would feel much better if he weren't so bony.  Thanks for
your help.
 
By the way, Sabrina is now a fully assimilated member of the business and
is having the time of her life.  My older ferret girls spoil her rotten.
Many thanks for the emails !
 
Kym and the adored nine....Stinky, Zoe, Pooh, Katie (who has designated
herself Sabrina's guardian),  Rikki , Mortimer , Mortimee, (don't look
for him on the sumo wrestler circuit anytime soon ), Bitty, and our most
recent and welcome addition, Sabrina.
[Posted in FML issue 2765]