Buster is very sick!

[Nasoosie]

Sorry to read this update, Barbie, but at least you now know what is up with little Buster. It sounds as if he has had a long life for a ferret, thanks to his mama. I never knew anything about ferrets before, so I am learning fast now.

Hugs to both of you, and licks from Molly.

[BarbaraRose]

Sorry the news wasn't better but know you are lovingly tending to him.
I do appreciate learning more about ferrets and their health issues.
Are ferrets in the wild as suseptable to the same cancers?
((((HUGS))))

Ferrets 101:
They are decendants of the European polecat (a weasel) and, no, they don't get these cancers. In fact, domesticated ferrets in Europe don't get cancer nearly as much as the ones here do. They think that has to do with three things. Ferrets there are fed a natural diet of meat rather than manufactured kibble. Also they don't spay and neuter them there until they are 6 months old, whereas here they spay and neuter them as early as 4 weeks old, so that messes up their hormones before they have matured. The last reason is that they are nocturnal animals and ferrets in Europe are mostly kept in cages outside where they are exposed to the natural daylight. They think the ferrets here are exposed to too much artificial light and that also messes up their hormones and natural physiological rythems (sp?). In fact, when they get adrenal cancer, they are now given melatonin to rebalance their hormones.
If they don't get cancer they can live to be around 12 years old.

[mtngal]

Aww Barbie, sorry to read about your little buddie.

[Bethers]

Sorry that Buster's prognosis isn't better. But glad that he and you get to have this extra time to do some hugging and loving. He's been lucky to have you as a mom.

I agree with 2 of your reasons possible for the cancer, but don't thing the spaying/neutering figures in (I could be wrong). Just from the studies I read - and we started spaying/neutering dogs and cats that early many years ago - without showing adverse effects - although there are people who say there are - just as some people are just totally against any spaying/neutering. That said - we never know, do we? I do believe that all the artificial light we live with (people too) can mess with us in more ways than not. I need my real light to be happy.

[Imthebeachgirl]

Barbie, sorry to read that it is the big "c" and not something minor. Hang in there and you will get through this for Buster. Thanks for sharing your info. about them, I always thought they were cute lil buggers..

Laurie

[Getupngo]

I'm sorry your furry one is so ill. It's so hard to watch our four-footed pals suffer.

[bikerchic777]

Barbie...Just curious how Buster is doing?

[BarbaraRose]

He is doing much better! He is more active now. I just need to fatten him up some. He has lost a lot of weight over the past week or so from the vomiting and diarrhea.

[bikerchic777]

Thanks for the update! Buster has been on my mind....poor little guy I'm glad he's feeling better for now, anyway. Just don't fatten him up with chocolate chip cookies Meat, meat, meat, meat...I think that's what I heard Buster saying

[BarbaraRose]

Buster is now banned from sweets I made some "duck soup" for him, which is his kibble softened with pedialyte, with chicken baby food and Ensure mixed together. Full of protein and fat for him. He does like it.
From what I have read on line, he is very lucky to have survived the other night! He was very close to going into a coma which is fatal. My ferret-sitter suggested I give him some Karo syrup in case he was suffering from low blood sugar (which he was!) and that is probably what saved him. He will be in good hands with her when I move (she also uses the same vet I do, who is fantastic with ferrets!).
Buster appreciates you thinking of him! He's doing his weasel war dance for you!

[Redetotry]

I'm so glad to hear Buster is feeling better!

[AlmostThere]

That's good news, Barbie!! Doing the Ferret Happy Dance with you! (my eyes, my eyes!)

[Bethers]

Such wonderful news!

[Imthebeachgirl]

Good news Barbie! I have also been thinking about Buster and hoping that he is doing better....
~Laurie~

[VickieP]

Will little Buster have to take that medicine forever?