Casper was dropped at Ferret Wise 2 1/2 months ago-- a fur covered skeleton at best. The ravages of Negelct, abandonment and malnutrition. He was put on sub-q fluids, nutritional support and he had made some progress, but never really rallied. After 2 exams -- a battery of tests, x-rays, blood panels and examination after examination... he was on amoxy, flagyl, then albon for coccidia and after more than 20 days of treatment-- still no improvement.... During times like this - it is comforting at best as a caregiver *to NOT sit back*-- at least in Caspers case. Shelter mom grew unnerved no explanation, malabsorption was a consideration, but some improvement, and pale color in gums etc. even after 2 1/2 months. Casper's little backside so sore from loose stools which were of projectile nature. So---- after getting blood chems. together, a second ( really 3rd) opinion was rallied. This past Saturday found Casper having a barium x-ray series at yet another veterinarians office -- the suspected was discovered. Caspers stomach is very oversized-- and there are gas pockets in the intestinal tract-- obviously a blockage in the gut perhaps near the pyloris. We realize there is a slim chance it may be a growth-- but it has not been palpable by 3 vets, so we hope for foam or likewise. Casper will have surgery at the vet who cared enough to listen and then to look.... In the meantime Casper ( and Ferert Wise) could use an angel or two. Since arriving at this Rehab shelter, this gentlemanly silver boy has absorbed all shelter vet funds, and still has a long way to go. We are hopeful for a full recovery- he is estimated at only 1 year of age and he has bonded with a lovely family-- who are hoping he will regain his health -- they promise him a home and a companion ferret !!! Ferret Wise is currently holding a raffle called "Gabriel's Quillow" (Gabriel is a paprplegic ferret who Ferret Wise helped last year) the proceeds from this go to the Guardian Angel fund at Ferret Wise. These funds will be used to help defray the surgery and vet expenses which Casper has incurred. The raffle drawing is Sept 30th. at Feret Wise Shelter. ( winner need not be present) Prizes are: 1st-- a hand crafted quillow (compforter which folds into a pillow) which has a painted portrait of Gabriel Ferret Wise by artist Jeanne Stadtmiller of NY 2nd -- a custom crafted sleeping bag hammock measuring 16x21 inches outer is a sfaari print lining is a zebra flannel donated by X-tasy Fererts Etc. 3rd-- a blue & white ceramic mug with ferret logo by pottery by Danee Tickets available through Ferret Wise for $1 ea. 6/$5.00 Prizes will be shipped Sept 31st to winners! For information on the raffle or how you can help the angel fund or Casper please email- [log in to unmask] Visit our shelter page at; http://www.dartmouth.edu/~crassi/index.html [Posted in FML issue 2431]