Rebecca Stout <[log in to unmask]> wrote on 5/13/2005, 3:00 AM:
>Can the vets here, as well as people who are privy about specific forms
>of euthanization give some imput here.  I think this is a useful topic
>even if it's been covered before.
 
What I usually have my vet do, and the way I prefer, is to give the
ferret a sub-Q shot of Ketomine (sp?), and after the ferret is completely
under, give the heart stick.
 
The ketomine is an animal tranquilizer, usually used with larger animals.
It takes about 5 to 10 minutes for the ferret to go under, and during
that time, you can spend time with the ferret loving him/her, and telling
him/her how special he/she is.
 
Once the ferret is completely under, they are unaware of what is
happening, so there is no adverse reaction to the heart stick.
 
I have also had my vet use the Iso to put the ferret under, but the gas
often frightens the ferret, and I hate for them to be frightened their
last moments alive.  The ketomine may sting a little, but it is given
quickly, and then there is a peaceful time while they slowly slip under.
It is a lot like the pre-anesthesia shot they will give humans before
surgery.
 
I agree that this is an important subject to discuss before it is needed.
It is good to discuss it in a forum like this, so people will know what
options are available, and it is also important to discuss it with your
vet.
 
--
Danee
International Ferret Congress Health Issues Coordinator
http://ferretcongress.org
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit: http://www.ferretadv.com
You can help fight ADV! Visit:
http://help4adv.terrabox.com/
[Posted in FML issue 4877]