Farrah3

On August 14, 2009, we received a call from Beth Randall at Critter Camp. She had received a tearful phone call from a ferrent with a little girl in trouble. The woman didn`t know what to do. Her ferret was in severe pain, and was dying.  Apparently, the tiny ferret had experienced a drastic weight loss, in the last two days. She completely lost her appetite, was lethargic, and was vomiting. Her abdomen was HUGE.  The woman & her hubby didn`t have much money, but they took their sweet Farrah to a South Beloit vet, who advertized $25.00 office calls.  The vet told the couple that Farrah had an intestinal blockage, but that he wouldn`t touch her, until an ultrasound was done---and BTW it would cost $1500.00 in cash, up front. (Then, of course, there would be the cost of the $urgery.)  The couple asked if he would take payments. The answer was no.  The couple had begged the Beloit vet to please just skip the ultrasound & do the surgery. He refused, sending that little ferret away to die...  Farrah was in extreme pain, and they were beside themselves :( They took her home, tried to give her lax--and called Beth. They didn`t want Farrah to die. Beth called us.  I had the mom meet me at our vet`s office. (The office closed at 6pm, and we both arrived there at 5:50) The girl was signing the surrender form, as we were whisking the little silver blaze off to surgery.  Bar none, this was the most involved surgery for blockage that I have ever seen. There was a large foreign body in the intestine, and another in the stomach. Lots of beautiful, detailed work. Surgery ended at 8:05. The whole staff at Dogwood stayed for this surgery, and did it cheerfully... Our shelter cost was just under $300.00.  They were appalled that any vet would charge $1500.00 for an ultrasound. (We have paid as much as $300.00 in the past, but the one we go to now only charges $75.00)  I don`t know anyone who could lay their hands on $1500.00 cash within minutes. if there`s a blockage, every minute counts! This should have come OUT!!!! (If you`re opening them up, you will see everything inside of them anyway. Why would an ultrasound even be necessary?)  It`s awful, but there are vets out there who count on the fact that you love your pet SO MUCH that you`d do ANYTHING for them. Anything....

The South Beloit  vet sent that animal away in horiffic pain, knowing the type of death that would follow within hours. He didn`t even offer pain meds for that little girl, to bring her any comfort..

Thankfully, her mommy didn`t give up on her. Thankfully, she found Beth Randall. Thankfully, OUR vets are gracious & caring--and stayed late to save her life... Thankfully, it wasn`t too late for Farrah--although we were pretty darned close...  Farrah had a rough first three days, post-op, but she made it through. Sweet little thing. She will be with us for another week. She will then be fostered back to her ferrents, who love her very much.

Farrah, first night post surgery

Farrah, the day after surgery

Farrah, third day (Bad one.)

                                                          Farrah on third evening (Doing better!) 

Farrah, one week post surgery!                

BTW--When I was ranting to someone in Freeport about the "crooked"vet,

I was surprised to learn that she had a similar issue with them,

involving her bird, awhile back.                                 Love, Zoo  ps- At a time when donations are at an all time low for ALL of us, Beth Randall contributed $50.00 towards the care of this ferret. God bless you, Beth.

Many thanks also go to Troy Lynn Eckert (Ferret Family Services) & Libby Nelson for the money they sent to help with  the surgical expense.

Libby also made some warm, soft bedding for our vets to use when they have ferret patients!  They posted your heartfelt note on their wall, Libby. They were very touched. Thanks so much!

UPDATE: 

Farrah`s kidneys took a hard hit, because she had gotten so dehydrated, prior to surgery. She needed high care, and it was a mutual decision between her ferrents & us, that Farrah should stay here. They have jobs, and a two year old, a six year old, and a pitt bull to care for. Farrah needed special feedings, & fluids for a while.

Farrah`s ferrents have become friends, and come regularly for visits. Below, is our beautiful little girl. She is very tiny & still fragile, but she is living life to the fullest now. She has friends to cuddle too!

She is the third Farrah to come to Zoo`s, so we refer to her as Farrah3.

                                          Farrah3, Fall of 2009