This week I took my five year old female, Chibi, who I've raised since 6
weeksj for her annual vaccinations and physical exam.  Since I live in
Massachusetts, my choice of "experienced" vets in this area is limited
since legalization has only happened recently.  I made sure though that
the vet has had some experience and was knowledgeable at least, to
administer a canine distemper.
 
The exam went well, she is in great health except when it came to her
heart.  The vet said she has an irregular heartbeat and suggested
casually and quickly that it is most likely cardio myopathy; the only way
to be certain she said is to have a technician do an ekg or an x-ray of
the heart but that the tech.  at her offfice has never done one on a
ferret and she added "though it would be interesting." She did not
explain anything else about it.  When I got out to the waiting room, I
told the girls up at the desk that I was not satisfied with the brevity
of the diagnosis and I wanted to know what treatments there were and how
this would affect her.  They returned to tell me that the vet said there
is no treatment and it will shorten her life a little.  They did not give
me the impression it was very serious.
 
I have since shockingly found otherwise and am rushing to make the next
move to help my little girl.  What do I need to ask the next vet, are
there some key questions in screening the vet/tech as they may be
seperate professionals to get the best diagnosis?  What can I expect to
do next...I plan to have an x-ray done and am considering taking her an
hour and a half away if I locate a specialist in Connecticut if needed.
How much does an ekg run generally and how much are the medications?
What is the best plan of action to take next?  She has never been ill.
Also, will switching from Marshall's Premium that she's been on her
whole life to Totally Ferret for older ferrets help as a local shelter
suggested?
 
Thank you,
Chibi and me
P.S. any advice is welcome and appreciated since noone in this state
seems to know anything much about older ferrets.
[Posted in FML issue 3848]