Ilena
 
I have only run into cage paralysis once, a couple years ago.  Hope, an
advanced adrenal/insulinoma kid picked up from the humane society.  Lived
her whole life in an 18" square cage.  She was able to move somewhat, so
she had difficulty in moving around - but by far what caused the most
discomfort was that her toenails had grown to the point that she was forced
to walk on the sides of her toes - they had curled around and would have
eventually started growing into the pads of her feet.
 
Hopes' problems were legion - mast cell tumors, insulinoma and adrenals.
All working against her regaining mobility.  She always had difficulty in
moving around, even after the nails were trimmed, surgery for her
adrenals/insulinoma - IMO, it seems that after a while, the tissues atrophy
and are unable to completely regain "normal" mobility.  Hope lasted 2 weeks
shy of a year here.  She had her own little gait, a sort of "hop" with the
back feet, similar to a bunny.
 
Some folks have had great results with water therapy in ferrets - Ferret
wise comes ot mind, and I think BFC.  Hope hated water, so we didnt add any
stress to her.  Sand or dirt might also provide gentle resistance to help
with therapy.
 
Sounds like a sweetheart - BIG, Ilena, hats off to both of you!!!!
 
Lisa, Head Ferret
The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea"
URL: http://www.kozykingdom.com/ferrethaven
[Posted in FML issue 2474]