My ferret is dying…Please keep him in your thoughts

[bigsis7]

Well this morning Chewie started pooping out blood while whining and groaning in pain. He also won’t eat anything which is extremley unlike him. I just got back from the vet. The vet doesn’t know exactly what it is, but it could be a lot of things from a bacterial infection to lymphoma. They wanted to keep him for 2-3 days at the vets hospital and administer the meds. My fear was that he would die there all by himself. Chewie’s been alone all his life and he doesn’t need to die by himself if it comes down to that. So right now I have to force feed him every 8 hours, give him ped. (don’t know the exact spelling) after each meal, a medicine before each meal, and then two other meds every 12 hours. I don’t think it’s bacterial though and I don’t expect him to make it. The vet says if nothing changes in 3-4 days it’s something else. In that case they’d have to do a minor sugery or draw blood just to find out if it’s a disease that can not really be cured. So if these meds don’t work, I may have him put to sleep. I don’t think it’s fair to stress him out more than he already is and to prolong his pain.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’m sorry!! {{Chewie}}

[kralspace]

awww, I’m so sorry to hear about Chewie, Hugs to both of you. You’ll know what the best thing is for him and do what you have to. Prayers for you.

[TARM]

Oh, I’m sorry. What vet did you take him to? Did they mention something called Helicobacter? We lost our Lucy to that, it was a slow, painful process, she had multiple transfusions and the poor thing was just one big bruise when I finally said enough was enough and let her go.

Dr. Crum is an amazing exotic vet, he saved a ferret at Ferrets First rescue when the regular vet couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him. It turned out to be Helicobacter and after a course of meds (don’t know which ones) he was good as new.

Good luck to you. I know Chewie is an older guy. :0(

[bunnytowne]

So hard to see your loved Chewy go through this I know.   So sorry. 

[bigsis7]

Thank you guys! There is some hope showing now as after I fed him (didn’t have to force feed too much) and gave him some water he looked around and walked around for a minute or two. More than he’s done all day.

TARM, She didn’t mention Helicobacter. What is it? I took him to Eastern Exotics today, because my regular vet wasn’t at the vets and they were filled up. They wanted me to drop him off and just leave him there and the vets they had in aren’t really ferret savvy (Great Falls Animal Hospital). No way was I leaving Chewie by himself! We went to this vet before and got there 20-30 minutes late. They couldn’t see us unless we payed a $70 emercency fee plus the regular. My mum got pretty upset and made us leave. Today she was very impressed with them (as was I) and we’re thinking of making them our regular vet.

I love my Chewie and don’t want him to leave this soon. He’s just learning how to live life.

[TARM]

http://www.peteducation.com/article…mp;aid=582

My ferret was seven when she got this…and the one at the shelter was four.

Are you giving him lots of duck soup?  Poor guy.

 

[bigsis7]

I’m feeding him a carnivore soup or something like that. I think it’s chicken with maybe some duck. He really likes it! Sounds like he could have Helicobacter, but he could have so many different things too. It’s hard to know for sure.

[Lisa_43]

So sorry to hear about Chewie, and hugs to you Sheyna. (((((((((((((((((((Healing vibes for chewie)))))))))))))))))))

[TARM]

Duck soup is just the name, it doesn’t actually have duck in it (usually). It was named after a ferret named Ducky. It’s usually a mixture of regular food with ferret vite, and I put slippery elm bark (to settle the tummy), bone meal, chicken baby food (you probably dont need this because you don’t feed kibble) and lots of water. It goes in the blender and is a smooth liquid.

[babybunsmum]

i’m so sorry to hear chewie is sick (((((((((lots & lots of healing vibes)))))))))

[jerseygirl]

Shayna, I’m sorry to hear this. (((vibes))) for Chewie. He is very capable hands I’m sure!

[bigsis7]

Thanks guys! He’s doing somewhat better (a bit more responsive), but he hates his meds!! Chewie uses whatever bit of strength he has to try and get out of the scruff when administering his meds. Poor guy. I think I’ll be up most of the night making sure he’s ok.

[TARM]

What kind of meds is he on?

[bigsis7]

Really big words, lol! I’ll go get them real quick…
Amoxi.
Metronidazole benzoate
Sucralfate
Pedialyte
Hope I spelt all those right.

[Beka27]

I saw this on your Facebook! I’m sorry Shayna! Kepe us posted on how he does!

((((((((((((((((Chewie!)))))))))))))))

[MimzMum]

I’m so sorry to hear Chewie is unwell, Shayna! I shall keep you both in my prayers! (((((hugs))))))

[Sage Cat]

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Chewie & Shayna ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[TARM]

How is Chewie today?

[bigsis7]

Thank you guys for your support! Here’s my update for today:
Chewie almost died yesterday. I was 90% sure he wasn’t going to make it thru. Last night he started perking up some, but not enough to be relieved yet. All last night he didn’t wake up and this morning I prepared myself for the worst. I opened the carrier and pet his head. Chewie popped his head up, looked at me, and dragged himself out of the carrier onto my lap. I was getting ready to feed Oliver and Ember (poor fuzzies…barley getting any attention), so I tried giving Chewie some of the pattie. He quickly gobbled it up!! From what I can tell there’s no blood, but he still has diaherra (sp?). Chewie also ate the soup by himself, but I have to force him to take the meds. He also walked around and explored this morning. Now I know he’s going to make it thru this! I’m so relieved and happy! This also has to be one of the weirdest bacterial infections I’ve heard of!

[TARM]

That’s great news!!! I’m so happy for you and Chewie!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oh I’m so glad to hear he’s feeling better already!!! {{Chewie}}

[Sonn]

Glad Chewie is feeling better!

[bigsis7]

Thanks guys!!

[Beka27]

this is great!

[Lightchick]

So glad to hear he’s feeling better! Poor guy! Keep us updated so we know he’s okay!

(What a good ferret-mommy you are, btw!)

[bigsis7]

Aww thank you! I will keep you guys posted! He eats on his own now, but won’t drink by himself.

[2lops]

Ooh that’s great! Hope he’ll be all better soon. (((healing vibes for Chewie!))

[MimzMum]

Keeping you in my prayers still! ^_^

[bigsis7]

Thanks Mimz! He’s doing so much better!! Eating and drinking by himself! He got to move back into the cage with Ember and Ollie! Oliver was EXTATIC to see Chewie!! The reunion was so cute!

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