First off there's no SAD news in regard to BEN and his recovery! :-)
Thank you for remembering this very special fuzzy!
 
I believe the last public update was posted to the FML mid-March (see
archives) by Jackie Hawley who provided his post-op nursing care...and
where BEN is still residing today.
 
In summary after BEN's second (and more complicated) surgery at the
University of FL Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital--and a follow-up
visit on March 16th to remove the esophagostomy feeding tube.....permit me
to quote exactly what was written by BEN's surgeon Dr. Avery Bennett on
BEN's Discharge Instructions as addressed to his referring veterinarian
Dr. Debbie Kemmerer and me:
 
"Oral examination revealed a small area of ulceration at the surgery site
and a pinpoint hole.  The wound appears to be healing very well.  All
else within normal limits.  BEN's surgical site appears almost completely
resolved...and he can be fed softened (with water) ferret food by mouth
for 2-3 weeks and then slowly convert to regular hard ferret food."
 
Luckily this second surgery held---with only that pinpoint hole remaining.
From my last update BEN is now interacting with and enjoying the company
of several other ferrets.
 
So once again thanks to you and the numerous other ferret folks who sent
donations; cards; good wishes and prayers to help accomplish BEN's
successful surgeries.
 
For The Ferrets
Barbara Ludt/Director
"The Woodland Retreat"
(NE FL Branch of the former So. FL Ferret Club & Rescue Inc.)
Penney Farms FL
 
Be sure to visit Mike Janke's Ferret Info and Health Care websites at:
http://www.miamiferret.org and http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc
[Posted in FML issue 3107]