You know.  all vets need training.  Some get it on their own.  some do it
just by chance.  and others are educated by those that they treat.
 
We have been taking a pro-active approach with the vets in our town.
They don't know too much about ferrets or just don't take the time to
learn.  so we are helping them.  We have 3 vet offices that treat ferrets
that we go to.  We are sending them material on ferrets and medical
problems.  It's stuff I find out about on the net.  ADV, Insulinoma,
adrenal.  that type of stuff.  I print it up, and write a letter to go
with it explaining WHY I'm doing this, and then mail it out.
 
We just started this last month.  My next goal is to get our primary vet
clinic on the mailing list for the Ferret Magazine.
 
Shouldn't vets go out there and learn about this stuff on their own?
Well of course.  but some don't for whatever reason.  Since we are
limited on who we can see.  educating them is the best approach we have
to help not only our ferrets but everyone else's too.
 
This is something everyone can do.  Even if you just take it to YOUR vet.
 
The other thing is.  like others have said.  SPEAK UP.  Research what you
vet says.  ask other ferret people.  Do your homework.
 
We've had to help 3 ferrets cross over to the bridge with our new vet.
Each time he comes in, he comes in with the shears and one needle.  And
each time I send him out of the room to get the torb (pain shot) to relax
them first before the final shot and before I will allow him to shave any
part of the ferret.  I do this each time.  and soon he will catch on.
and understand that I would rather pay more for that shot than to not
have it.  many others would too.
 
Our vet office is a good office, they just need "help".  They didn't even
know what ADV was or how to test for it.  I'm sure that if a lot of
people asked their vet they would get the same responsive blank look.
 
Most people don't get to know their vets.  We had a great vet that we
knew very well.  We are still getting to know our new vet.  But it's
something that we all must do.  It's not like our doctor who we don't
need to know that much because we can tell them where it hurts and how
we feel.  our ferrets only have us to speak up for them.
 
If you are not comfortable with your vet.  and have tried.  then find
another vet.  Hopefully there is another in your town that will work with
you in learning if they don't already know.
 
Be safe and love on your kids!
 
Joanne Ruffner
Ferret Corner Shelter
www.geocities.com/ferretcorneraz
[Posted in FML issue 4869]