Patricia Curtis <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>that this ferret's back is broken.  The spinal cord is not severed, but the
>extent of the damage cannot be determined yet, due to the extent of pain
>this poor little boy has.  One rear leg has already atrohpied and will never
>recover fully.
 
I run a shelter in Seattle (Best Little Rabbit, Rodent & Ferret House).  I
just wanted to make sure you were aware that ferrets don't necessarily need
to be euthanized just because they have a broken back.  A break *usually*
eliminates pain (is that why the vet's waiting 10 days?) and they can get
around quite well by using their front feet.  They will require diapering
and more frequent baths, but like humans with broken backs will adjust quite
well to their situations.  Like you, I've also found that animals with
special needs are often accepted quite readily by wonderful, kind hearted
individuals.
 
Sandi
[Posted in FML issue 1835]