Yesterday morning as I was downing my first cup of coffee I had the scare of
my life.
 
My 1-1/2 yr. old carpet shark Trouble was munching his food when suddenly he
started choking.( Apparently he hasn't learned you can't breath and swallow
simutaneously.) His gasping lasted for about 30 seconds then abruptly ceased.
As I watched horrified he rolled over and started frantically clawing at his
mouth and throat. After about 1 minute of this he went limp.
 
I only live 5 minutes from my vets office but I knew that it was hopeless
for a ferret who was obviously choking to death and having had numerous
courses in CPR at this point my instincts took over.
 
I grabbed him and tried to gently blow air into his lungs to verify that it
was obstructed. (which it was). Then I held him upside down by his back feet
and tail and thumped him on the back several times to no avail. Everything I
knew told me that I had to do a Heimlich on him. BUT HOW DO YOU HEIMLICH A
FERRET ?
 
I grasp him by the scruff of the neck and cradled him in the crook of my
left arm with his head turned to the side.
 
With my right hand I located his breastbone I made a fist with my thumb
extended and placed my thumb approx.  2" below his breastbone (by using a
closed fist and only applying my thumb I was ensured that I would not
squeeze him) and thrust upward toward the diaphram.  I did this 5 or 6 times
with increasing pressure and finally out popped a piece of whole dry food.
 
He immediately took a deep breath and regained consiousness in about 1
minute.  He was then quickly rushed to the animal clinic and examined and
given a clean bill of health.  We did put him on antibiotics for 7 days just
in case he aspirated a small piece of food.
 
I realize that this procedure could have resulted in severe internal
injuries but the alternative was definitely a dead ferret.
 
Since I have never seen first aid of this type published before, I thought I
tell you about it. I have been owned by carpet sharks for three years and
never had one choke this badly before so I doubt that it is a common
ocurrance and I hope it never happens to any anywhere ever. But if it does
and this helps even 1 fuzzy survive I know I'll sleep a whole lot better.
 
Charlie,
Feets
Trouble
Atilla
[Posted in FML issue 1372]