I am so sorry you lost Simon that way. But, it does sound like there
is nothing that could have been done - did your vet talk to you about
Simon's chances had he gotten to a vet sooner? I think he might say
there wouldn't have been much that could have been done - but I could
be wrong.

One thing I have learned - I always choose the necropsy, because it
helps the vet learn, and what they learn can always help the next
animal. And it can also give you closure. But, I can understand that
you did not want Simon's body to be altered.

Yes, it is a sad fact we all learn at some point, whether it be during
an emergency or not, that the vets will all ONLY see REGISTERED
patients after hours. The emergency clinics are the only places that
you can get your animal seen without being a client there, and you are
faced with two problems at these places: the emergeny fee and costs
(often in the $1,000's) and finding one that helps ferrets.

It is also true that unless a vet specifically wants to treat your
animal, many will turn them away, even if what you require does not
require a specialist. You could have a ferret with a simple cut that
needed stitches and you will/can be denied treatment.

Veterinarians run things like a business now - and many are just too
self-involved in the business aspect to see what is wrong with letting
an animal die by denying basic service based on the species. Some are
no doubt afraid of getting sued when they treat an animal that is not
in their expertise. Others just don't care and some actually believe
that it's wrong to treat something they are not an expert in.

I'm sorry that you and your family had to go through that; my advice
would be to keep calling, keep trying to find someone a bit closer -
see what you can find - and have that person lined up. Become a client
at their office, and have a file open with them. Unfortunately that is
the only way these days.

I am so sorry that Simon passed away. The pain will get better with
time - play a lot with the other ferrets, and it will help both of you
(the ferrets losing him, and you losing him).

Laryssa

[Posted in FML 5846]