I (Barbara) take full responsibility for not getting this update on BEN posted sooner--still having email problems (messages are arriving 2-3 days after sent...argh!) and it's been just a wee bit hectic here with fuzzies at both the Woodland Retreat and Dook Nook shelters. But I digress... Jackie and I picked up BEN from UF/VMTH on Monday afternoon. Starting with the technical stuff first (much of this being taken directly from the Therapy and Expectations section of the case facts as provided by UF/VMTH): The specific diagnosis of BEN's problem is an oronasal fistula. Drs. Bennett and Pye reconstructed BEN's palate with a "sliding flap". Two teeth (upper left molar and third premolar) were pulled to allow positioning of the flap. Unfortunately--although the fistula was completely covered after surgery--the far edge of the flap has begun to break down...most likely due to BEN irritating the area with his tongue (sorta like what we humans tend to do when we have a tooth pulled--always poking around the hole even though we know we should leave it be). Part of the fistula has reopened and it will be necessary to perform a second surgery to repair the area. Allowing BEN's mouth to rest and keeping food out of his mouth for up to four weeks will facilitate the healing process. Thus BEN needs to be fed @ 15ml of (slightly warmed) A/D every 4-6 hours followed by a 3ml water flush. He gets supplemental water (about 6-8ml) between feedings to ensure proper hydration. He needs to be weighed daily to make sure is maintaining his weight on the above protocol. The area around BEN's esophagostomy tube must be kept as clean as possible as it will be kept in place until after a possible second surgery in four weeks to facilitate feeding after that surgery. Of course BEN's also on an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection associated with oral surgery from occurring. The Clavamox is also administered through the feeding tube and flushed with 2-3ml of water; twice daily for approx. ten more days. BEN has been somewhat lethgaric after surgery (heck who wouldn't be after all he's been through!) but he will continue to get weekly re-checks by Debbie Kemmerer DVM where we'll also be monitoring his CBC over the next few weeks. Drs. Bennett and Pye expect that BEN will eventually be able to eat; drink and do everything a normal healthy young ferret can do but will reassess his situation and possibly schedule him for additional surgery in four weeks. We've additionally giving him ANAFLORA's Post Surgery Flower Essences to help him on an emotional; mental; and spiritual level during his lengthy recuperation and tube-feeding period. On a more personal level--Jackie has graciously volunteered to take over BEN's daily round-the-clock nursing care. So most further updates on BEN's progress will be from Jackie and what's she's observing daily. In speaking with Jackie earlier today she said BEN stayed up for about ten minutes following one of his feedings...that's encouraging! Since BEN does seem somewhat depressed--and we realize it's difficult for him to get comfortable due to the positioning of the feeding tube. (As an aside to those of you who are also members of AFA--coincidentally the most recent issue of AMERICAN FERRET REPORT (Vol. 11 Number 1) which I *just* received two days ago has a wonderful photo review of an esophagostomy feeding tube placement--provided by Peter G. Fisher DVM (Virginia Beach VA). Definitely worth a look to those interested in BEN's case.) Additionally it must be confusing to BEN to be able to see and smell food but not have any available to him. Believe me it's extremely difficult for both Jackie and I to see his comfy ICU cage without either a water bottle and/or bowl! Arrgh! One of the Ten Commandments of ferret ownership: Thou MUST provide fresh clean water 24/7! We will be sending a few additional photos for inclusion on BEN's section of Mike Janke's Ferret Health Care website--but we'll leave it up to Mike to announce any updates to the site as he has very limited available time. We understand digital photos were taken during the surgery itself and Jackie and I intend to HUMBLY BEG and PLEAD with UF/VMTH to allow us access to a few--with full credit being given for use of said photos. BEN's been such a sweet mellow guy through all this that Jackie and I just can't see stressing him out during his recovery period--just to get our own pics of the inside of his mouth right now. So please be patient in waiting for those photos...if nothing else we'll take photos during the final surgery when Dr. Kemmerer removes his feeding tube. Guess that's all for now....I'll step down from my soap box as Jackie ascends for BEN's next update....(hopefully tomorrow). For The Ferrets Barbara [Posted in FML issue 2948]