Hello FML,
 
I posted a few weeks ago on the FHL about my 7.5 year old little girl,
Gidget.  She had advanced adrenal disease and refused to eat.  She had been
tube fed by my vet (see P.S below) for 6 weeks now.  We saw absolutely no
improvement in her, except she did begin to drink water again.  The sight
or smell of food, treats, or even ferretone nauseated her.  In fact, I
think she was nauseous all the time, only sleep giving her relief.  Last
week, my vet noticed an enlarged area on her liver, that was pressing on
the stomach area.  An ultrasound showed several liver cysts.  She aspirated
about 15 cc from the largest, in the hope that the relief of pressure might
help her feel better and possibly restore her appetite.  It didn't help.
The ulcer regimen and the Reglan didn't help her either.  She had two
Lupron shots and had started to grow back a few sparse patches of fur.  I
think it was just too late to be of any further help.  She had also stopped
using the litter box all together.  She was nearly always 100 %.  I think
her body and mind were both failing her and she was just too sick to care.
 
I visited her Saturday night at my vet's office.  She seemed so sick and so
frail.  I didn't want her to suffer any longer.  My vet spent considerable
amounts of her own time, taking her home with her and tube feeding her meds
and A/D several times a day.  She didn't feel exploratory surgery would
have bought her any additional time.  She thinks that the liver was
diseased and making her feel so sick.She didn't tell me what decision to
make, but in my heart, I knew it was time.  We decided to help her make
the passage to the Bridge last night.
 
Gidget was my very first ferret...it was love at first sight.  She was so
sweet.  I got her when she was two years old from my sister who didn't have
time for her anymore.  I think I gave her a wonderful life, with the best
of care, food and lots of toys and even more love.  She gave me more joy
than I can say.  My heart is broken and my eyes are swollen, but she
finally rests in peace.  Sleep tight little Gidgie.
 
Tearfully yours,
Dodie Vecchione
 
P.S. I could not mention my vet's name on the FHL, but I can give her
kudos here.  Her name is Dr. Anna Edling of Hickory Animal Hospital in
Plymouth Meeting, PA.
 
She is a wonderful ferret vet and an extra special person.  She went above
and beyond in trying to nurse a sick ferret back to a reasonable quality of
life.  She did all this at her own expense, only charging me for tests and
injections given at the hospital.  She never gave up on her until it was
obvious no more could be done to improve the situation.  She helped me to
make a very difficult decision.  I can not say enough about her or thank
her enough for all that she did for Gidget.  She is truly an asset to me
and the rest of the ferret community.  Anna, I thank you with all of my
heart.
[Posted in FML issue 3368]