HEART PROBLEMS
All of the symptoms that you described- 7y.o.  ferret, coughing/wheezing,
tiring easily are typical of a condition called cardiomyopathy (not an
irregular heart rhythm as your vet suggested).  Cardiomyopathy is a
relatively common condition in older ferrets; and, although it does
progressively worsen, it is treatable (again despite what your vet said).
Your vet was correct that fluid build-up in the chest and abdomen can be a
problem in ferrets with cardiomyopathy.  On the other hand, I do not agree
with his recommendation to keep her as inactive as possible, and you
certainly don't want to have her on antibiotics for the rest of her life.
Finally, don't feel bad about bringing a second ferret into the home.  In
doing so, you did not "trigger" the cardiomyopathy.  It is not a
stress-related condition.  : )
 
For more information about cardiomypathy, check out the Cardiomyopathy FAQ
at http://www.ferretcentral.org/faq/med/cardio.html  Another article appears
at http://www.ferretnews.org/cardiomyopathy.html
 
Best wishes,
Gina Hart/Sage Ferrets
Visit the Sage Ferrets Web Page at
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/2040
Paleface (Bean), the Sage Ferret and
"The Boys": Gunnar the Red (Goose), Daniel Spikey Tiger (Spikey), &
Beau Geste (Boseph)
[Posted in FML issue 2306]