Hi,
My son's ferret, Bella, has not eaten and won't drink for a couple days now. She is very old and we have suspected she is nearing her time for a while. Anyway, all the vets are closed for the long weekend and I'm not sure how to help her. She is breathing funny and nearly non reactive but more than that, she screams occasionally. I'm ok with lettering her die on her own but the screams indicate pain and with the vets closed I don't know what to do. Does anyone know of anything I can do to help her? We've wrapped her in a blanket and are cuddling her so she knows she's not alone but I'm concerned. 

Becca

I'm so sorry but they do all reach their time.  But it might not be hers quite yet...

The loss of appetite and screams could be caused by hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) seizures caused by insulinoma.  Is she being treated for insulinoma?  Try giving her corn syrup (Karo) or honey.  If it perks her up, there's a good chance that's it.  When you take her to the vet, have her blood glucose tested.  It's possible that she has insulinoma which is treatable for a time.  Prednisone/predinisolone it the drug given, and it's not very expensive.

See if you can get her to eat some chicken or turkey baby food.  See if she will lick it off your finger, or put  little in her mouth so she can taste it.   You can also thin it water and feed her with a syringe.  Best wishes.

THE DOOKS OF HAZARD

Thanks so much. We can't get her to open her mouth at all. We've tried offering her water on our fingers and she just isn't interested. I will offer the chicken baby food and see if tha if that changes her mind. She doesnt even seem to recognize us anymore. She used to react when we'd pet her, now she just lays there.... I will keep y'all posted


Becca

I got the chicken baby food and karo. It was really challenging getting her mouth open but I managed to rub some karo on her gums and I got a couple licks. She wasn't at all interested in the chicken... My son has her wrapped in a blanket and she's in his arms on his bed. We are planning on keeping her very close tonight and will keep an eye on her. I will try the vet again in the morning praying they are open as usual on Saturdays. 

Becca

I agree with unclejoe. Need to push food. Sounds like it could be insulinoma. I would call and see if anyone would come in and see her. Keep honey or white kayro syrup handy. But she needs to be seen ASAP.

 
Fuzzbutts Rule!

Thank you to everyone. I wanted to let you know that Bella died at about 11pm last night. We had tried the karo but it was either too late or it was just her time. She was nearly 15 years old.... Again, thank you for your help.

Becca

So sorry for your loss.  Fly high Bella.

Oh, wow.  I've never heard of a ferret older than 13 in my 8 years of ferreting and moderating this and other forums.  

I'm sorry for your loss.  It must have been her time.  You must have done a great job for her.  

Dook in Peace, Bella.

THE DOOKS OF HAZARD

wow 15?!?! that is unheard of. Regardless, I am really sorry for your loss. It sounds like you took excellent care for her, 15 is like a human living to 150 ish. Dook in Peace little Bella.

I'm so sorry for the loss of Bella. It sounds like she had a good long life. Even at 15 though it's never enough time with them. Fly high and free Bella.

 
Fuzzbutts Rule!