Moose didn't survive surgery, dying just after the procedure was completed.
Surgery revealed metastatic neoplastic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas,
liver, spleen, stomach and spine.  The pancreatic tumor was thumb-sized and
had caused pancreatitis, which was the first symtoms I noticed a few days
ago.  In the necropsy, it was also present in the lungs and right kidney.
This is a very fast-growing terminal cancer, and by the time Moose
displayed any symptoms, it was too late to help him.  Moose was in obvious
pain and distress, and if he had not died on his own, I was prepared to
help him escape his misery.  It didn't come to that; Moose never woke up
after surgery.  Per my instructions, no heroic efforts were taken to revive
him; he was allowed to leave with peace and dignity.
 
Moose was 6.25 years old, obtained from a private breeder, and was a rather
small silver mitt that was neutered when 6 months old.  He was no bigger
than many larger females (and smaller than Trillian), but he could
intimidate the largest hobs in my house.  Except for a mild flu not long
ago, and a very minor gastrointestinal problem a few years back, Moose was
healthy and active until the end.  Moose was my play hound, never saying no
to a sack or ball or giant looming hand.  He had the blackest nose, the
happiest disposition and the most energetic weasel dance I have ever seen
in ANY ferret.  He never put a tooth to human skin; even as a kit, he was
gentle in play.  And he always used the box.  What a good monkey!
 
Moose, Stella and Daye where the first ferrets I bought after moving to
Missouri from CaCaLand, a significant return to owning ferrets (prior
ferrets were when I was a photojournalist in Texas and Arkansas, which had
died of old age in CaCaLand).  It is kind of funny; it was owning a ferret
that made me study mink for my zoology degree, and it was knowing about
mink which made me want to know so much about ferrets.  Wanting to give
Moose, Stella and Daye the best life possible spurred my intense study of
ferrets and mustelids in general.  Several years later, in that same quest,
I stumbled upon the FML.  So in a very real sense, if it wasn't for Moose,
I wouldn't be here today.  We can both blame Moose.
 
A couple of vet students have borrowed Moose to learn about fresh (not
preserved) ferret anatomy and to study the effects of neoplastic disease.
When they are finished, his skeleton will be donated to research.  In this
way, future vets can have more than a general knowledge about ferrets
before seeing the real thing, and Moose's memory will live on as a precious
gift to better science and human--and ferret--kind.  I can think of no
better way to put meaning to his death than by the donation of knowledge
that may help other ferrets.
 
I want to thank all who sent good thoughts his way.  It was very kind and
sweet.  Thank you.  Its been a long, hard month.
 
I have a Moose-sized hole where my heart used to be.  Goodbye, you rotten
little sock thieving booger.
 
Bob C and 16 Mo' Saddened Ferts (Missing Moose, Crystal and Apollo)
[Posted in FML issue 2721]