>From:    ShariDiane <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: Very big tummy
>Most importantly, always take your pet to the vet if you are concerned
>about it's health - I'll pay the $30 office visit any time to ease my mind.
>Shari Gunter
 
I heartily agree!  I've seen several ferrets go from healthy, to "I don't
feel good", to death bed in a matter of days.  I've learned that I know when
my ferret doesn't feel good.  Don't feel stupid when you go to the vet and
say "I don't know what is wrong, but he isn't acting normal".  Try if
possible to figure out what isn't normal, is there a change in eating,
sleeping, playing, walking, how he looks?  I was lucky to have a vet who
trusted me, but the whole clinic was trained to keep asking questions about
behaviour so they could spot any problems.
 
Word of warning, do find a backup vet!  I called to update my vet on my
ferret's condition and they told me the vet was no longer with them.  Huh?
My vet did say anything 2 days before.  I suspect this was unplanned.  If my
ferret was still seriously ill I would not trust the other vets there as
they are mostly dog/cat trained and I have not been comfortable with them in
the past.  Luckily I have visited another experienced vet and was prepared
to contact him.
 
Better to be safe than sorry!  Ask the vet!  If you disagree or don't
understand, say so.  It will affect how you implement the treatment your vet
is suggesting.
 
Masked ferret owner in CaCa land
[Posted in FML issue 2182]