Buster is very sick!

[BarbaraRose]

He will be taking less and less and then just as needed to control seizures. The tumors on his pancreas cause it to overproduce insulin so his blood sugar drops too low, so the prednisone helps control the insulin levels. However, prednisone is not good to take long-term so that is why they wean them down from the full dose. Eventually, his kidneys will shut down and then I will have to make the dreaded decision... Until then, I will keep him as happy and comfy as possible.
Thanks for your concern! I know you have all (or most of you anyways) been thru this with your own pets and I have too, with so many others. It never gets any easier, but they are so worth it! (Steve tells me to just get rid of them since they are costing me so much money. That is why HE is getting left behind when I move to California!!! Some people just don't get it!)

[bikerchic777]

Sounds like an aweful way to die On one hand, I hope he holds on until you move. On the other, I hope you are there for him in his last moments.

Did you get my emails with photos of the weasel or mink I saw today? I thought of you right away He looked like a little ferret! SO CUTE!!! I couldn't believe how brave he was! He came right up to me It was so interesting to see him hunt for, find, kill, and eat a snake. He was making a smacking noise when he was munching out on that snake Maybe you should feed Buster a snake Sure wish you would have been with me when I saw him!

[BarbaraRose]

Don't worry, I won't let him get to the point of suffering, or even close. I judge by the quality of life. Ferrets whole lives are based on having fun. Once they aren't having fun anymore, it is time to let them go. If I am not there when that time comes, my ferret-sitter will be there for him. (Buster is giving me nose kisses as I write this! He's so sweet!).

I am GLAD I wasn't there to see the mink get the snake! Ewww yuck! As much as I love Nature, that part of it I can do without witnessing!

[mitch5252]

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You know how we love photos - any of the Weasel War Dance?
I'm really glad he's doing better!

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[BarbaraRose]

Here are some cute videos of the Weasel War Dance...

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/ ... &FORM=LKVR

[retiredhappy]

Those are soooooo cute. I just want to kiss that little face.

[Nasoosie]

Thanks for the update, Barbie! So glad to hear that Buster has a new lease on life, for however long it can last. Molly would probably not allow him to feel so good as to dance and frolic, but she sends him some drooly licks, too!

[mitch5252]

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Oh, how cute are those little weasels!

You know what surprised me the first time I held a ferret - how heavy it was for its size.
And a rat is just as heavy for its size, too.
(same couple had rats, ferrets, cats, and dogs...)

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[Liz]

I'm just getting caught up here....so sorry that Buster has been sick and for the prognosis, but glad he's doing better and you have a little more time with him.

[BarbaraRose]

Last night was another bad night for Buster He crashed twice on me. Just before I went to bed I checked on him. He didn't look right so I took him out of the cage and he was completely limp. I quick gave him some medicine and Karo syrup and held him in my lap for about half an hour until he started to perk up. Once he seemed to be more alert and was able to stand up, I put him back in the cage, gave him some Pedialyte and went to bed. About 5 am, I heard a racket in the cage and got up to check on him. He was having a seizure. I gave him more meds and Karo Syrup and waited until he settle down again. It took a long time tho. I kept him in a box next to my bed and tried to get some more sleep before I had to get up for work. Couldn't sleep much tho, worrying about him. By the time I left for work he was doing pretty good. I was worried sick all day at work tho! I rushed home and luckily he is doing OK yet. I called the vet about getting some more prednisone since I am running low now.

I hope he doesn't start doing this a lot, or I will have to make the dreaded "decision" soon. I just hate watching him go thru that. When he is feeling better tho, he plays and acts fine and seems to be his happy, goofy old self. He is losing a lot of weight tho so I think I will have to start feeding him a liquid diet of "duck soup" (no ducks involved) to suppliment his dry food and force more pedialyte on him since he is dehydrated as well.

I hate it when my animals get old and sick! I have been thru this so many times before and it never gets any easier to deal with.

[Bethers]

Aw, Barbie, so sorry to hear Buster is having more problems. Hopefully you'll be able to tell if the wear on him is more than the good times - but so hard to do - something all of us have to do who love our babies. I hope he's had a better day today and is the happy Buster for you tonight.

[mitch5252]

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{{ HUGS }} You'll make the right decision when it's necessary.

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[bikerchic777]

Poor Buster Poor Barbie I'm so sorry you're having to go through this, especially now when you're working so much and trying to get ready for the big move. My thoughts and prayers are with you both

[VickieP]

I'm sorry Buster is still having a bad time. Just know that you are doing the very best to keep him healthy.

[Liz]

Thinking about you & Buster. I know it's tough for you right now.