Hello everyone.  I took Scooter to another vet and they took x-rays and
blood work.  The blood work came back normal for everything.  The x-rays
revealed the hind leg problem, some what.  Both or his hind legs are
dislocated; the ball is not in the socket.  How this could have happened
is still the mystery.  It could have been an injury (remember the pet
store that gave him to me said they thought a little boy had dropped him)
or it could very well be genetics.
 
Now please no flames, but I would like some responses.  I don't mind
criticism, just don't be nasty.
 
They gave me three options:
1. euthanasia
 
2. surgery, and they can't guarantee that he will be able to walk right
if at all.  They would have to cut the ball joint on one side and make it
flat then put where it belongs and try to get it to form a joint of it's
own.  Not sure how they plan on keeping his legs still for the six weeks
of recovery.  The vet has preformed this procedure on cats and dogs, but
never a ferret.  It will be very painful for him those 6 weeks.
 
3. leave them like they are and there is a chance he can walk somewhat.
It will automatically form a joint from scar tissue.
 
Well the number one option was never a consideration...........and I
told the vet that.  As far as the other two options; I have talked to my
family and we all seem to come up with the same answer.  I believe I will
leave him as he his and go with option 3.  He is not in pain right now
and the thought of putting him through something that will be putting him
in pain for so long, and may not do any good seems inhumane.  He can
pretty much do everything my other ferrets can do except get up on high
things such as the couch, although he did climb up on my garden tub which
is almost as high as my couch.  He plays and dooks with the other ferrets
and myself.  He even tries to dance.........he dances to his own tune and
gets pretty out of control... so much it causes my other ferrets to stop
and stare at him like; what he heck is he doing??
 
I guess I was wondering if anyone else has had to have this surgery done
and thoughts on whether I am doing the right thing.  I wish he could tell
me what he wanted, but he can't and that is what I am here for.... to
make the over all best decision on what is the best for him.
 
Thanks for listening and please let me know your thoughts.
 
Missy
[Posted in FML issue 4557]