What other tests were done?  Was a CBC WITH Chemistry Panel run?  Other
testing beyond lower back x-rays?  Hind end weakness in ferrets can
happen with a wide range of major medical problems and certainly
insulinoma is among the most common.  I agree that in this case the
timing makes it sound most like an injury, but it still may not be.
 
Mobility carts and pantyhose slings (Either one will need your vet's
okay before use.):
 
For an interesting design and its maker:
http://www.ferretfarm.org/en-us/dept_98.html
 
or Google on
 
"Robert Morgavan" "Ferret Flyer 5"
 
You can read about or see pantyhose slings and various types of
mobility carts in the archives
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org
 
http://www.smartgroups.com/pictures/listalbums.cfm?GID=1423922
for example
http://www.smartgroups.com/pictures/openalbum.cfm?
GID=1423922&AlbumID=4031129
and
http://www.smartgroups.com/pictures/openalbum.cfm?
GID=1423922&AlbumID=2241065
and
http://www.smartgroups.com/pictures/openalbum.cfm?
GID=1423922&AlbumID=4163561
 
and I think maybe in
http://www.smartgroups.com/vault/ferrethealth/Old%20YahooGroup%20Pics/?
action=list&search=&searchFor=&viewtype=Detailed&viewType=Detailed
 
(Those are the old photos from Yahoogroups in
http://www.smartgroups.com/vault/ferrethealth
 
One inventive one for a ferret with a weak back that was used by one
member (Sorry, but I don't recall who.) was a very light weight small
rodent cage with the bottom removed and openings cut in front and back.
360' casters were attached to each corner, and a padded sling hung down
to support not only the ferret, but also a second sling provided lift
for the ferret's tail which was wasn't working.
 
Pantyhose slings are easy to make.  Select the length of the pantyhose
for your own height(s).  Buying colors helps tell apart the slings so
no one will be getting a sore back from stooping.  Roll the top into a
handle and sew or tie it into that loop.  Sew the feet together into a
hammock for the ferret's belly.  All done.
 
If this is an injury your ferret needs to have the injured area kept
STILL as much as possible, and steroids to reduce inflammation have
helped such individuals.  Pred is also used for insulinoma, BTW.
 
-- Sukie (not a vet)
Ferret Health List co-moderator
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
FHL Archives fan
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
replacing
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org
International Ferret Congress advisor
http://www.ferretcongress.org
[Posted in FML issue 5153]