>our 6.25 year old female ferret stopped eating several days ago, her
>feces is tar like and under examination contains blood, she has lost
>25% of her body weight.  she can hardly walk.
 
>she has zero appetite, weare force feeding her a solution of nutrical
>disolved in water. she is being given .25 ml of antibiotics, and
>today we put her on prednizone.
 
>what are we to do.  i have two ferrets now, and we had another that
>past away at age 6.5 yrs.  has anyone seen a ferret that has lived
>past 7 yrs????
 
This sounds to me very suspicious of bleeding gastric ulcers.  She needs
to be treated for that, which includes antibiotics and stomach protectants
(Carafate - Pepto Bismol until you can get some Carafate), and supportive
care (fluid support and food!  - try baby food, Hills a/d).  You might want
to get her rechecked, and be taught how to give fluids, etc, if you don't
already know how to.
 
As far as age - I have treated several over ten and one little guy that
made it to twelve, so turning six or seven definitely doesn't mean death
is inevitably soon.  Hope your little one does okay.
 
Dr. Ruth
*****************************************
Save lives - spay or neuter your pet.
[Posted in FML issue 3404]