Putting your Ferret to Rest part 2
Do not delay bringing your animal to a vet! The longer the convulsions go on, the more brain damage will result. While the underlying illness will not go away, it is possible for an animal to recover from convulsions, as frightening as they are to see.
Ferrets can also suffer convulsions from epilepsy and a vet familiar with the animal can advise what course of action to undertake until you can get to their office.
Your veterinarian is always a helpful guide. He or she can help you determine what the possibility of recovery is - if this may be a temporary setback or if all avenues of treatment have been tried and there is nothing more to be done.
Some doctors are as reluctant as we are to give up and may try every last measure available. Ask what the chances are of a procedure being successful before submitting your pet to any more discomfort. Ask that they be honest with you, and be honest yourself. It's no kindness to prolong your animal's pain unless there is a good chance of recovery or significant improvement. If you must indeed face the worst, here are some things to look for that may help you determine when to let your ferret pass on.
Most people choose to keep their pet with them for the last days, if possible. You can probably keep a closer eye on them than the vet, and it is less stressful for them to be in their own home during this time.
Segregate them in a small area away from other ferrets (unless it seems to upset them); usually they want no part of others any more. We use an old baby bassinet, which is small, plastic-lined for easy cleaning, and high enough so they can't fall out.
A heating pad or heated lizard rock will help keep them warm and old, soft blankets or towels can be cut into 2' squares, then thrown out when soiled. Be sure the heating unit doesn't get too warm.
You can try putting a low dish of food and water inside, as they may drink a bit, but be sure it is off to the side so they don't fall into it. If you have children, this will be the time to sit them down and explain what is happening and let them say goodbye.
Young children shouldn't be allowed to run in and out petting the animal. Your ferret can't enjoy it any longer; it will only be disturbing.
Most ferrets will begin to refuse food. This is different, again, from the temporary anorexia associated with the green virus, the flu, or other lesser illnesses.
While force-feeding is necessary - sometimes for weeks - with these diseases, a terminally ill ferret should not be further stressed by forcing food. You can try for a day or so, but if they have a terminal illness, not eating is one of the signs they are ready to pass on.
The muscles in their hindquarters weaken and they can barely stand on all legs and must crawl to their litter pans. (And many will! It's amazing how even the very ill will try not to soil themselves or their bedding.) Being unable to get to their litter is another signal of the end coming.
Carefully observe and interpret your ferret's movements and reactions. A healthy ferret enjoys being petted and responds positively to ear scratches, rib rubs, or back massages.
Even an ill animal will show signs of comfort being held quietly in your lap. An extremely ill ferret will be unresponsive - will not pick up their head, or may even try to move away as if your touch was too tiring for them.
If they can no longer even enjoy the basic pleasures that bind your pet to you, the quality of their life has severely deteriorated.
When death is rapidly approaching, you may find your ferret collapsed, taking deep breaths. Their body temperature will drop to 97 degrees or less.
If they are moaning or wheezing with each breath, they are near to death. If they are comatose, with their back arched and their head stiffly pointing up, the muscle contractions prior to death have begun. There is nothing you or anyone can do to revive them at this point.
Internal cancers like Lymphosarcoma may grow to the point where the major organs just collapse, suddenly causing your pet to hemorrhage internally. Black, tarry poop is usually caused by blood in the stool (unless you've been feeding too many raisins!) and should always be carefully monitored.
However, a severe loss of blood, either eliminated or vomited, is irreversible. Bring your animal to a vet at once.
Continued on the Putting your Ferret to Rest Part 3
