The morning began with two tired humans taking five strubbling ferts and
a Labrador to the vet.  Fine: we can deal with the dog's ear infection.
Fine: I can tollerate those idiots weighing ferts on a dog scale
(starting to get worried).  All is well- then I get a reason to woory.
 
My world turns upside down when Pirate has a reaction to his Distemper
shot.  Guess what the first thing the vet says is?  She says, "I should
probably call the manufactor to find out what to do now."  Umm, but the
vet always said she had lots of experience with ferts-- even surgerical
experience (I feel sorry for those ferts now.).  Pirate (This is about to
get graphic) was vommiting blood, pooping blood, lost most control in
hind legs, couldn't even slither to the potty corner after about fifteen
minutes of reaction, so had to wipe him, would try to drink but dunk head
in water bowl, temp went from 103.3 to 99.4 in less than half an hour,
much bodily jerking, mega enlarged spleen,...
 
They gave him some Epinepherin about 15 min.  into the reaction.  One
hour after that he got a Cortozone shot and fluids.  A couple hours later
with little improvement, the vet sent me home.  Her parting comment was
"Ferrets have to be treated just like any dog or cat... don't worry."
 
Yes, this was my last ferrety trip to that vet and Pirate's last
Distemper shot!  I aged about ten years today.  I still feel the pent up
emotion building up waiting to burst out.  This was the first time I have
had to deal with one of my babies being so close to the bridge.  The
thing is, he's still not far from it.  At least he is eating and drinking
now; he's got a lot better coordination too, but his spleen is about 3x1
in. and that's no exageration.
 
Pardon my spelling and grammar today, but I am too upset to really care
about perfection.  I have to go cuddle a fur kid now-- The four are
whining for their missing one.
[Posted in FML issue 3916]