I am so sorry you lost Simon that way. But, it does sound like there is nothing that could have been done - did your vet talk to you about Simon's chances had he gotten to a vet sooner? I think he might say there wouldn't have been much that could have been done - but I could be wrong. One thing I have learned - I always choose the necropsy, because it helps the vet learn, and what they learn can always help the next animal. And it can also give you closure. But, I can understand that you did not want Simon's body to be altered. Yes, it is a sad fact we all learn at some point, whether it be during an emergency or not, that the vets will all ONLY see REGISTERED patients after hours. The emergency clinics are the only places that you can get your animal seen without being a client there, and you are faced with two problems at these places: the emergeny fee and costs (often in the $1,000's) and finding one that helps ferrets. It is also true that unless a vet specifically wants to treat your animal, many will turn them away, even if what you require does not require a specialist. You could have a ferret with a simple cut that needed stitches and you will/can be denied treatment. Veterinarians run things like a business now - and many are just too self-involved in the business aspect to see what is wrong with letting an animal die by denying basic service based on the species. Some are no doubt afraid of getting sued when they treat an animal that is not in their expertise. Others just don't care and some actually believe that it's wrong to treat something they are not an expert in. I'm sorry that you and your family had to go through that; my advice would be to keep calling, keep trying to find someone a bit closer - see what you can find - and have that person lined up. Become a client at their office, and have a file open with them. Unfortunately that is the only way these days. I am so sorry that Simon passed away. The pain will get better with time - play a lot with the other ferrets, and it will help both of you (the ferrets losing him, and you losing him). Laryssa [Posted in FML 5846]