Approximately one week ago, I posted that Spanky was ill and that the vet felt he had the flu. She gave him some sub-q fluids to prevent dehydration and sent him home with me. The next day, his breathing was fairly labored but eyes, nose were clear. He had not eaten for two days and would not touch the AD food they gave me. I took him in again, to see my regular vet (was out the previous day) and he gave the same diagnosis but put him on clavamox as a precaution to secondary infection and gave a shot of penicillin. Spanky did not have a fever, so that was a little confusing to me. I was told to get food in him and that this would probably last 7-10 days. We have been syringe feeding for the past six and last night, Spanky's breathing was beyond what I considered "labored". I took him in and the second the third vet looked at him, he said "that is not flu or respiratory". I was actually standing there, hoping for a blockage that could be removed and then he would be fine. Something I have never had to go through, but I had a bad feeling that this was something really bad. The vet did an x-ray, took temp (normal) and discovered that Spanky has Cardiomyopathy. He gave Isoflorane and extracted 25ccs of fluid from around Spanky's heart. I was told that under proper meds, he might live 6-12 months. Spanky did start breathing better and appears to be on the mend, until next time fluid fills that area. The vet sent the fluid in for testing to verify his findings and make sure cancer cells are not also part of the equation. This ferret is a 1 1/2 year old Marshall Farms ferret I rescued. That is too short a life. I am devastated. Dr. Williams, does the following medication/doses sound right to you for cardiomyopathy? 4mg furosemide twice daily, .25mg Enacard once daily. In addition to the above, last week we buried my friend's 17 year old son. I am still recovering from that. I also discovered that someone I have trusted, betrayed me in a big way. Then, my hubby went in for his yearly physical and found out that he has extremely high blood pressure (runs in his family) and has to take meds for that. I am terrified of losing him, he is my one and only. All of the heart stuff freaks me out because my dad died at a very early age from heart problems, my grandpa died at 30 from heart failure. The point I am trying to make is that LIFE IS TOO SHORT. These events have truly humbled me and made me realize that bickering over ferret stuff is just not worth it. My health and the health of those around me is far too important to risk over disagreements. I will say, it did not help me this morning to open up my email and find a message from Cap383@knology saying "Loser. Hypocrite." I just don't understand why anyone would spend time sending something so hurtful. Not to mention that I don't even know this person and have had no dealings with them. I will say once again, LIFE IS TOO SHORT. Please think about it. I'll step down from my "soap box" and hope everyone considers what I am saying. It is sad that it sometimes takes tragic events to make one realize that life is too short, but I do feel lucky that I have realized this. I truly mean this from my heart and soul. Don't sweat the small stuff. [Posted in FML issue 3330]