Update: I took Charity to the ferret specialist in NJ to discuss her anemia,
weight loss, and lethargy.  He examined her and found that her heart,
lymphnodes, and spleen were fine.  She is anemic though and she did lose
about 7 oz.  The vet decided to draw blood and do a complete SMA Profile
(major)/CBC.
 
The vet called me on Friday night to tell me the results of the test.  It
turns out that Charity has Hepatitis.  This is exactly the same diagnosis
that Sobriety first received.  Charity's symptoms mimic Sobriety's symptoms
exactly and I guess I knew it in the back of my mind but didn't want to
admit it to myself.  When Sobriety was first diagnosed, they told me that it
was possible that he could overcome the liver problem.  But as most of you
know, it turned out to be lymphosarcoma and he passed away on January 9,
1996.  Of course I asked the vet if Charity could have lymphosarcoma and he
said that there is an outside chance that she could have it.  We won't know
for sure until we try the medicine routine that we used for Sobriety.
 
The feelings that washed over me when the vet called were so strong.  I know
I should keep a positive outlook for Charity just like I did for Sobriety
until the very end, yet all of the feelings and frustrations of losing
Sobriety just came back like a tidal wave.  I have still not completely
gotten over losing him and now Charity is very sick.  I know it's too early
to tell yet but I just can't stand the thought of losing another fuzzy.
 
I am taking Charity to the local vet today to pick up her meds and to have
them give her some extra fluids.  I will do all that I can for her, just
like I did for Sobriety.  We'll do the duck soup, chicken babyfood,
nutrical, and medication routine and just hope and pray for the best.  I
sure hope she makes it through.  It's up to God now.
 
Your Ferret Friends,
Julie and The Fuzz Factory --Misty and Charity
In Loving Memory of Sobriety.
[Posted in FML issue 1510]