Dear All, So many folks have said to me that they couldn't do what I do, because they would hurt or kill someone. I do my best to always stay composed and just get the ferret, and pursue what's needed. Last Saturday I was tested. I agreed to a surrender from an 18 yr old woman, who just didn't have time for this 1.5 yr old ferret. The surrender was ceremonial, with the entire family coming to Rocky's. I so didn't expect what was given to me. This precious sable boy was on his side, and black tar oozing from his rectum, with his eyeballs sunken into his head...with just a slight glimmer of hope. Where there is life, there is hope.........oh so much hope was needed! "He was fine yesterday. I took him for a walk. Maybe he ate some grass". She said to me. This precious boy weighed in at 10 ounces. He should be at about 2.5 lbs. I could hardly hold back my tears and my anger. I asked what was fed, and it was Walmart Boxed 8 n 1. I asked if he'd eaten any bedding, and yes he had, his entire hammock was in shreds she said. I was palping him all the while I was asking questions and felt a blockage. Gritting my teeth, I took her hand and placed her fingers on what I felt, and let her know that we had a dying ferret from a blockage and him being starved. This baby was crying and wincing with every touch I gave. Here's where I wanted to bitch slap her, and just scream. I just shook my head and asked them to leave, leave now....I had to get busy. I had no vet or clinic to take him to. He was grossly dehydrated. I did a sub q line, and put 60cc in, which disappered within 15 minutes. I started him on Baytril and Albon, and then approached the blockage, giving him Mineral Oil with a splash of Ferretone. I started him on 0.5 mg of Omeprazole and doses of Carafate. He was so bad, I couldn't risk a pain med initially, for fear of losing his cooperation in other attempts to save him. I thank God for my visit at Ferretstock by April of Totally Ferret. She'd armed me with what I would need, and that was their new product of "Complete Care for Ferrets". It makes a great soup. Once he tasted it, his little tongue reached out for more. I had to take it easy and give small feedings, many times over the next several hours. Within 8 hrs he'd passed all the fabric, and was giving me good stools. The black tarry had stopped!!!!! I did another 30cc sub q, which is max, without dilluting the blood too much...which he little of. This baby boy is on the mend, and is gaining weight. I've never been so happy to see a little Budha Belly in my life!!!!!!!!! Vet exam went well, he's on the mend. I have all the faith and hope that he's going to thrive!!! What is his name? Can you help me here? Affectionately, Barb Clay Dir of Shelter Affairs for Rocky's www.rockysferrets.com OKTOBERFEST - A HAPPENING - OCTOBER 18th! [Posted in FML 6036]