Stantz, Riley, & Goon
Origionally, the family had four ferrets. Two of them had become
gravely ill, and the people didn`t have money for the vet. They made the
decision to surrender them to a shelter, but unfortunately, the night
before they found US, one of the ferrets died.
Two of the remaining three were extremely thin, and ill--but the third one
(Stantz) was truly dying, when they brought the ferrets to Zoo`s Ferret
Sanctuary on July 27th, 2009.
Stantz at 8:00 p.m.
It was after hours, and he was very close to death, but we gave aggressive
supportive care anyway, and he made it through the night.
When the vet`s office opened, only a few hours later, we were there. (I
suspected blockage, at this point.)
Diagnostics ruled out blockage--but his ALT was 860!!!!! EIGHT HUNDRED
SIXTY!!!
She asked if this was a case of neglect, because this pointed at starvation.
I did not feel that this was the case.
Then together, we realized---The people DID love the ferrets. They HAD
fed them. HOWEVER, when the money got short, they had switched
foods.
Apparently,two had nibbled on it---but the other two hadn`t been eating
at all!! (Stantz`s cagemate had died of starvation)
FYI:
It is IMPERATIVE to watch your ferret carefully, if you change its diet.
PLEASE be sure it is eating the new food. Please get the most nutritious
stuff you can find--even if you have to sacrifice something to do it. Your
little one`s life depends upon it.
Most vets would have euthanized Stantz at this point, but she has seen
what we do here. She sent him home with us, so we could try.(Of course,
the other two were given the kibble they were used to.)
Stantz got around the clock care, and treatment for the ulcers which he
had developed too. After four days of around the clock care, Stantz began
to eat some kibble!
Pictured below is our Stantz, only 17 days after coming to us.
Stantz at 2:00 a.m.
This full-grown male weighed only 15 ounces, and his muscle tone was all
but gone.
At this time, January 17, 2010, Stantz`s muscle tone has returned. He
weighs 2 1/2 pounds, and is the most beautiful silver boy ever. One would
never imagine how sick he was.
Long term effects are unknown, but because we are a lifetime care facility,
we can monitor him. Time will tell.
Goon & Riley were very thin, but have filled out nicely, these past few
months.
The former ferrents have been back several times to volunteer, and they
have worked hard. We are very grateful for the help!
More later.
Love, Zoo
Goon Riley
p.s.
We are very grateful to Rose German, who is sponsoring Goon (as well as
Bella) in 2010. (God bless you, Rose!)
XXX000
Love, Zoo
UPDATE, May 2010:
Stantz`s bloodwork is totally normal now! He is doing fabulously--and so
are the others.
More later!
Love, Zoo