From: Ferret Mailing List <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Ferret List Issue 264 > [More on the ASAP - Lymphosarcoma can kill *very* fast. > Toby had no symptoms whatsoever, we just found him dead in > his cage one day (spleen had ruptured).] I think Dr. Kawasaki recommends blood work done on older ferrets, just as a precautionary measure. There's a sign on his wall that says how often for what age ferrets, but I was sort of stressed out during my visit and don't remember the specifics. [Wouldn't have helped. Toby was 10 mos. old] > There's also Dr. > Thomas Kawasaki, who's in Connecticut -- Nancy Hartman can > probably get you his number. Actually, he's in Northern Virginia (near Manassas). He's done extensive research in diseases of the ferret, primarily cancers. Dr. Thomas Kawasaki, DVM 3604 Old Bridge Rd. Woodbridge, VA 22192 703 690 - 2580 He's probably the best ferret vet in the country (that actually sees patients). [In Canada, Dr. Michael Taylor, in the Martingrove animal hospital in Toronto is probably about as good. He's well known as an expert on ferrets, and is often called for advice by other vets.] And, his prices are *VERY* reasonable. I paid $140 for Percy's recent adrenal surgery (+ medication and blood work). My Vice President, Cindy, has a ferret that needs the same surgery, and her vet around here quoted her over $500!!! So, if you live within a reasonable distance, it would probably be worth your while to go ahead and take the road trip there. Even if you have to spend a few nights in a hotel, it would still be cost-effective, and your ferret would recieve the best care possible. Manassas is a really nice place, and D.C. is just about 45 min. away, so you could even make a nice little vacation out of it. Dr. Kawasaki is always more than happy to confer with other vets. Have your vet give him a call. Even if you do decide to go down there, it's not a bad idea to have your vet do all the preliminary diagnostic work. (and it will be a great learning experience for your vet!) Regarding anonymous postings requesting help - please put the state, or at least the region, you are in in your post. Those of us who do have lists of addresses can only help if we have somewhere to start. Make up a post-name for yourself, so that we can get to know you, and start each anonymous posting with something like "from Anonymous Bob in Massachusetts". Just stating your state isn't going to give your "real" identity away, and I have yet to hear of the FBI investigating a renegade ferret owner. :-) > Recently, though, we've been keeping Nancy in a > large Kennel Cab. "Aaaah!!! <rattle, rattle, rattle> Let me out!!!" Sorry, I just couldn't resist. :-) That's the first time I've heard of a ferret named Nancy. I'll try to restrain my incredibly juvenile sense of humor in the future. :-) [Warped, distinctly warped ;-) Though I'd probably do the same if I ever ran across a pet named "Chris" ;-)] Regarding 24 hour panic number: I will certainly take any calls about ferret care/problems/etc. I'm (blush) pretty knowledgable, although I wouldn't consider myself one of the best around. Although I think if you have enough of an emergency to have to call someone at 3 AM, it should probably be your local vet and not someone in another state. I don't mind late calls, I usually don't go to bed until at *least* 1 AM. And, I'm pretty used to being awakened by people calling with ferret problems. The majority of which are just new owners needing to know "the basics", but I've dealt with more than a few serious problems. My phone number is (215) 255 - 4436 - Emergencies - any time! - Non-emergencies - preferred between 10 AM and 12 PM. (I'm not much of a morning person) - I'm a starving college student, so long distance calls will be returned collect. - Answering machine picks up after the 6th ring, so hold on if you want to leave a message. - I don't know anything about ferret CPR, so do not call me in that critical of an emergency. - If I'm not home, and it's urgent that you get in touch with someone, try me at (302) 453 - 8918 (eve.) or (215) 268 - 5153 (work, but I'm only there about 2 hours a day at random times). I'll try to remember to make copies of my ferret-related phone numbers to keep at those locations. - Don't get mad at me if I don't know the answer to your questions! For more serious problems I may not be able to do much more than point you in the right direction for finding the answer. My Vice President, Cindy, works nights and is usually available from Noon - 3:30pm and 1:30 - 3:00am on weekdays. Her number is (302) 738-0115. Since she does work nights, please only call during those hours unless it is an emergency. - Nancy Nancy Hartman CIS graduate student [log in to unmask] U. of Delaware President and founder, Delaware Valley Ferret Club Owner of Percy & Bree [Posted in FML issue 0265]