Even though Hun-Hun was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, I believe he finally succumbed to insulinoma. I know now, since I have been on the FML, that the vet that treated Hun-Hun was not correct in her assessment of Hun-Hun's disease. I wish now that I had had more information about ferrets and had access to a wonderful source such as the FML, then maybe Hun-Hun would still be alive. Hun-Hun first had symptoms of coughing and gagging and the first vet I took Hun-Hun to diagnosed pneumonia. After a week Hun-Hun was still sick so I took him to another vet and she diagnosed cardiomyopathy and liver disease after getting the results of blood tests. She based the liver disease on the elevated liver results and on palpation of the abdomen. As Dr. William stated in FML issue #752 ,"Hepatitis is commonly overdiagnosed in ferrets, as elevated liver tests generally mean only that there is alot of fat in the liver, which is the normal ferret response to lack of appetite.." Hun-Hun had lost some weight due to a suppressed appetite. The vet prescribed a heart medicine and a diuretic to ease the excess fluid retention. Hun-Hun did well on the medicine but at times was lethargic and would not eat. While on the heart medicine he never showed signs of difficulty in breathing and even in his last hours he lacked this problem. What Hun-Hun did exhibit was lethargy and lack of appetite. I was force feeding him the last few weeks and he had no energy and had great difficulty in even walking, he was so weak. I finally took him to the vet to have him put to sleep when I felt he was suffering, he would neither eat or drink. So to answer your question, I really don't think that Hun-Hun was taken by his heart problems but something else. If he did die due to his cardiomyopathy then he only refused to eat and drink and became so weak I could no longer watch him suffer. If Hun-Hun was in pain, he did not show it by groans or whimpers. To watch him whittle down to skin and bones was a sign to me he was in pain, even though he was not vocal about it. What your vet says about difficulty in breathing is probably true in the case of heart failure. I believe you will know when it is time to let Nash go. It is never an easy decision, but it is a necessary one for the love of your pet. I buried Hun-Hun in my backyard and placed a stone over his grave. I placed him in a box with his favorite blanket and a bag of wheat puffs which he loved. Even though I will most likely move in the future, I felt he deserved a place to rest in the cool ground. I may not be able to visit his grave when I move but I will always have my memories and photographs of him. I hope Nash gets over his cold very soon and try not to dwell on losing him. Enjoy him now and when the time comes you will make that decision with the love I know you have for him. Best wishes for you and Nash, Judith Gallipeau. [Posted in FML issue 0754]