B
B came from Freeport on February 18, 2009. His mom could not find a
vet willing to take payments, and this little angel was in crisis. He was
lethargic, wouldn`t eat, was dehydrated, pooing black, showed discomfort--
and was hauntingly pale...
B on February 19, 2010
June & Glen (our foster ferrents) brought B & his mommy to us for help,
and B joined our family. Xrays showed about the biggest right adrenal
gland tumor I have ever seen--and a very enlarged prostate.The mass was
so large it was cramming all his internal organs to one side. B "hugged" the
floor, when he walked, and his gait was very unsteady.
It didn`t look good for B, but he didn`t seem ready to die--so we decided
to attempt to get him strong enough for surgery, while keeping him out of
pain. He got a lupron depot, & we gave feedings every 3-4 hours, & subQ
fluids twice daily. Also Pet tinic for the anemia. Pain meds as needed.
Constant monitoring.
The day after he joined us, his urine became the color of water
when spinach has been boiled in it :( Not a good sign at all. Could be
hemolytic anemia. Or maybe the right adrenal mass might have grown into
the liver...
When Dr. Katie called to check up on him, we decided that hospice would
be the better route for B. He would probably never survive surgery.
We started B on the home-brewed Essiac tea that we give our "hopeless"
cases, and vitamin B complex injections, once daily.We have seen miracles
with properly-brewed, properly administered Essiac. (Not the bottled stuff,
or the bags.)
In two days, B was walking around the hallway, exploring.
When B`s former mommy came to visit him a few days later, she was
amazed at the improvement. B had gained 10 ounces, and was toddling all
around the place-- playing in the tubes. He was finishing his soup. He had
even begun to munch some kibble!!!
Today, B grabbed a bell toy & shook it. Then he hid it in one of the tubes.
His eyes are clear & bright. His urine is no longer green. He is walking
much better. He remains on special feedings. He has gained 10 1/2 oz.
We can`t fix what is wrong with B, but we can help him to feel better!!!
In a couple/few weeks, we will return to the vet for a second
Xray. I believe the mass is shrinking a bit, and the pictures will hopefully
confirm that.
Most importantly, B is happy & comfortable, for however long he has--and
that`s what it`s all about.
More later.
Love, Zoo
B on March 1, 2010
UPDATE:
B`s former ferrent had an emergency surgery. She needed a
ferret-sitter for her other ferret, Killer, while she recovered. Killer came for
a small vacation at Zoo`s Ferret Sanctuary!
B is re-united with his sister, and you can see how happy they are
together.
Killer & B
We`re giving B`s mommy some time to recover, while we all decide
what to do. These two belong together for as long as possible.
If the mommy is up to caring for them, we might foster B back to her.
If not, maybe Killer will stay here with B. We all want what is best for the
ferrets. Only time will tell....
More later.
Love, Zoo
UPDATE: May 15, 2010
On March 22, we lost B. He was able to live it out in comfort, with his
sweet sister Killer by his side.
UPDATE:April 29th,2010
B`s former ferrent was very upset at work, after hearing the news that B
was gone. Someone approached her, saying a coworker had a little girl
ferret about a year old that was being left in her cage all the time, and
ignored. She was starved for attention.The former ferrent was offered this
ferret for the sum of $25. We offered to take this ferret, but the ferrent
accepted the offer, and took Maxine home. She was re-named Ladybug.
Killer has remained here for 5 weeks, until her mommy could come & get
her. Today, she went home to meet her new sister.
UPDATE:May 3, 2010:
The girls did not get along at all :(
She worked with them for three days.
Then this email came.
I'm worried about her zoo. I feel like she's not as happy here as she was at your place. Her and Lady Bug are still not getting along...and now Lady Bug is pissed off all the time because Killer's here. I don't want to be the bad ferret owner that gives you my ferret though. I feel like I'm failing her and you. I don't know what to do.
We were concerned about Killer being put under any more stress.
She is 5 1/2 years old, adrenal, and insulinomic. The health problems are
all just beginning. The ferrent couldn`t really afford proper care for killer.
(This was how we wound up with B!!)
Killer was VERY unhappy there, no longer being the princess of the
house.
The ferrent asked if Killer could come here to live--and we said
yes...
Killer joined the family at Zoo`s Ferret Sanctuary on May 3, 2010.
Mommy has been back to visit, & pledges to pay $10 a month towards B`s
vet bill, & Killer`s lupron depots.
Killer is doing well.
More later--
Love, Zoo