Nearly 5 years ago, Mira came to the FACT shelter.  At 3 months old, she
had been stepped on, causing permanent injury to her shoulders and front
legs.  Bleach had been spilled on her and not washed off, causing third
degree chemical burns to half her body.  Mira almost died that first
night.  But Mira is a fighter; she survived.  In time, Mira became sassy
and spoiled.  Although still crippled, with missing hair over her deeply
burned shoulders, Mira blossomed into an almost "normal" ferret.  Mira is
the star of any event she attends.  She can never climb or run fast, but
she can play and hop and loves to nip toes.  Today Mira faces a new
battle.  Mira has a form of skin cancer her doctors have never seen in a
ferret.  From a small spot, it grew to cover her left shoulder.  We were
referred to Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston.  There, a world
renowned reconstructive surgeon and a specialist in cancer conferred.
They found that Mira is otherwise in great health for her age, with a
strong heart, and no signs of other illness.  Their recommendation was
to surgically remove the skin tumor, close the gaping hole, then give her
3 weeks of radiation to stop the cancer.  Radiation for pets is not the
debilitating treatment it is for humans; mild doses are used that do not
cause discomfort.  Mira's treatment will cost thousands of dollars.  You
may ask if she's worth so much.  Our belief is that not only are we saving
this one animal, but her case will provide veterinarians with important
information that can help save more ferrets.  The surgeon writes textbooks
and gives lectures regularly to other doctors.  Mira's treatment will pave
the way to a protocol for treating this form of cancer in our beloved
pets.  And Mira should have years added to her life.  Mira has undergone
the surgical removal of the tumor.  Her skin was loosened and stretched
in an amazing example of her surgeon's skill.  She has recovered and has
even more mobility than before.  Now she is ready for the next step.
 
Can you help?  Your donation to the Mira Fund will help pay for her
radiation.  If excess funds are collected, they will be used for other
medical expenses incurred by the shelter.  FACT is a 501(c)3 non-profit
shelter and contributions are tax deductible.  FACT also accepts
mastercard/visa.
 
For Mira and for any other ferret that may suffer the same disease, we
thank you.
FACT,
14-16 Sherbrooke Ave.,
Hartford, CT 06106-3838
Moxie
FACT FML/eBay coordinator
[Posted in FML issue 3784]