Having recently caught up with almost two weeks of FMLs and a stack of
private mail in two days I was greatly saddened to see more than a few cases
in which ferrets had apparently not received their vaccinations, and yet
others in which they were not receiving treatment.  (I was glad, on the
other hand, to also see some "My ferret has a vet appointment, but I also
want to pick your brains in case that helps" posts.)
 
Please, sing after me, "There ain't nothin' like a vet... nothin' in the
worrrld.  There ain't any better bet, than the experience of a vet.  Nothin'
checks like a vet, or inspects like a vet..."
 
Basically folks, the lay people here can't replace one heck of a lot of
years of medical study, experience, contacts for consultation, and so on,
and after-the-fact nothing is going to replace those vaccinations, annual
exams, emergency visits, and autopsies done when questions need answers.
Will that cost you?  Yes.  Is it worth it.  Yes.  Are the costs usually
(Hey, there are bad apples in any profession, and there are still those who
don't yet know ferrets well.) justifiable?  Yes, Vets have many years of
college costs, and unlike M.D.s in most parts of the world with internet
they also have to support the costs of a full hospital for which you may one
night at midnight have reason to be very, very grateful as we have.  When
you absolutely NEED an oxygen chamber, or IV, or meds to stop bleeding, or
to break a clot, or any other required service there just isn't an option;
you go for it and you hope that the vet, the hospital, the animal, and luck
are all up to the situation.  It's not a time when any of us are clear
headed.
 
What can you do to help the vets?  If your vet doesn't get the FML you can
print out interesting medical articles such as those from Mike Dutton, and
definitely print the medical FAQs available from the exceedingly hard
working FML member and FAQs Keeper, Pam Greene at
[log in to unmask] and give them to your vets and to your
alternate vets.  You can recommend or even give resources such as _Ferret,
Rabbits, and Rodents_ by Hillyer and Quesenberry of the Animal Medical
Center in lower Manhattan, N.Y.C. (publisher W.B. Saunders Co., Curtis
Center, Independence Square West, Philadelphia, PA 19106).  To further help
your ferrets before you settle with a vet you can ask perspective vets
telling questions which you can devise from reading the medical FAQs as well
as finding out other basic info.  (Many vets are very busy so ask for a
call-back and either leave your questions with the receptionist or explain
that you are selecting a vet in your area for your ferrets and want a
call-back.)
 
Sukie
(not written by Vonnegutt <G>, nor mauled by Rodgers and Hammerstein, so if
you are angry with me send me private e-mail, and don't blame them)
[Posted in FML issue 2026]