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]