That sounds like Meeteetse right now.  It's not all that unusual in old
age.  Since Charlie gave her a fine medical review what she probably needs
is more exercise if she's like most of the old ones we've known over the
last 18 years.  Meeteetse has found some things that really help her --
pushing herself through a thin tube (Which is slit on top so that no one
can get stuck, walking and sometimes ( a few times a day after she limbers
up) running a lot, taking the linoleum challenge (which really helps her
with lateral control).  With Meeteetse there might likely be arthritis,
too, but even muscle loss within the normal old ranges can do it.  The
exercises makes worlds of a difference!  Aren't the old ones usually just
so extra-extra precious and lovey?
 
While the chance of having CDV hit your home isn't all that high when it
does happen the result is devastating.  It's a horrible way to die and it
kills most, plus I gather that it remains in the home for a while.  (Ask
vet for time frame.) Rabies vaccinations also protect against ferret foes
in case of an accident.  Remember that in the past there has been at least
one case where the ferret didn't even bite anyone -- a bitter ex-boyfriend
reported a healed bite that actually never happened and the ferrets died as
a result, and certainly recall the very well known case (Kodo) in which an
elderly man cut his hand but where wasn't known so since he'd been stroking
Kodo the ferret was destroyed.  The Compendium changes are of no use if the
people with ferrets don't do their part, too.  That was an ten year battle
with many warriors to get the Compendium changes (which promptly saved a
very large number of ferrets nationwide) so don't take them for granted.
 
Sarah, that was so sweet of you.  You didn't need to go the extra mile like
that.
[Posted in FML issue 3047]