Two bits of good news to help offset some of the recent sadness.  For about
a week, all of our kids have been clear of ECE signs (took about a month).
They are even eating willingly now.  Even better, several people made a
surprise collection for us to defray vet bills.  They sent ferret get well
cards too (Hallmark is missing out).  This was so nice, especially since we
felt like we were a health danger to everybody and should be shunned.  Just
knowing that we aren't pariahs for medical reasons (I'm sure there are
plenty of others once you get to know us) really warmed Annie's and my
hearts.  Thanks to Ronnie, Bill & Suzie, Sharon, and Ed & Jo.   You can't
imagine how good you made us feel.   To think that six months ago we didn't
know any other ferret owners in the state is just amazing.
 
The second item is a thanks to Dave Ljung (I'm too unctuous today).  You
posted a while back that you were giving your ferret (Max?) Ovaban for an
adrenal problem that you later had completely removed.  Flash went in for a
2nd adrenal operation shortly after that post and it was too involved with
the vena cava to remove much of it without risk of sure death.  We showed
our vet your post and decided to give Ovaban a try.  He got a dose for 4
days in a row and then went on a half dose every 4 days.  He stopped his
incessant mounting of the others almost immediately and the trademark sly
playfulness returned.  That alone was great.   Then, 10 days after we
started (i.e., on the 2nd half dose) he got ECE.  Our vet asked us to stop
the hormone because it speeded up gut transit.  He hasn't resumed it yet and
it is about a month since his last dose.
 
I looked at him closely a few days ago and saw new fur sprouting all over
him.  This guy has been bald for over a year!  We are going to ask our vet
if he should finish the treatment.  He is a DEW and usually a real poser.  I
never thought I'd see him in true form again.   Sick ferrets are a drain on
the soul, but for them to recover is cause for celebration!  (Start war
dance here)
 
BTW  I've seen several comments about what to call various ferret color
patterns recently.  In FML #1118, Bill Killian did an excellent summary of
colors and patterns that is a keeper.  Check it out for some good info.
 
   ( )--(a)
   (@=@=) \     Till next time.......Rudy the ferlosopher
   O__)  \ \___
      \   \
      /\ * )  \
[Posted in FML issue 1274]