Ferret Gone Wobbly On Back End...vet Wants To Put It Down . Any Thoughts?

[liongeorge 7]

Hi all, I noticed this morning one of my jills had lost the use of one of her rear legs completely and the other one is not so good this morning. Took her to the vet this evening who gave her an anti inflamitory but said it might be a tumor as he thought he could feel a lump in her abdomen but wasn't sure.

Anyway he said to bring her back tomorow evening and if she's no better we should put her down.

Now she is very bright in herself, eating and drinking well and in no discomfort, the symptoms are v sudden . Do you think that 24hrs is enough to decide if this is a terminal or recoverable dissees?

I think it would be best to leave it a little long or until she is in discomfort.

 

Any views welcome.

 

ATB George

[Darren Stoodley 2]

Had it happen to 1 of mine a couple of years ago 1 cortisone injection sorted it within 24hrs

[random 659]

Could be anything from anemia to parvovirus/aleutian? Surely the vet can take a sample or something in the meantime making the ferret comfortable,I think a lot of vets don't know much more than most of us when it comes to ferrets and unfortunately they are quite ill before you notice anything and go downhill quickly,all the best with it...

[ZeusPolecat 185]

Just spent a small fortune to save my hob. His back end started to go, but he went off food and rarely got out of bed also. Thought to be pneumonia. Been having two injections a week for a few weeks and is on the mend. But there's a load of things that could cause a ferret to go weak on the back legs. You could inquire about an XRay to confirm the tumor and possibly a blood test. How old is the jill? If shes young might be worth further investigation. If getting on a bit it may very well be a one way street.

[liongeorge 7]

Thanks guys, she's 7 so getting on a bit, I hate to say it I don't want to spend a fortune on her.

Seemed a bit better this morning still quite bright, eating etc and useing one of her back legs ok. Will take her back to vet and see what happens. I'm inclined to pick up the oral anti inflam stuff he talked about and see how she goes. I will know if she is going down hill and I can sort her out myself.

[Mochastorm 68]

I have very rarely had a ferret live beyond 8 years old. I would be guided by your vet. It can be very easy for a vet to keep pushing you and offering different treatments which rack up a massive bill. An X ray will show up any bad news, but the ferret will need sedating then x raying (expensive). A blood test will cost. I wouldn't personally put and ageing animal through any extended treatment for what appears to be a serious condition. I would just monitor, and if you see it going down don't let it suffer.

[liongeorge 7]

I have very rarely had a ferret live beyond 8 years old. I would be guided by your vet. It can be very easy for a vet to keep pushing you and offering different treatments which rack up a massive bill. An X ray will show up any bad news, but the ferret will need sedating then x raying (expensive). A blood test will cost. I wouldn't personally put and ageing animal through any extended treatment for what appears to be a serious condition. I would just monitor, and if you see it going down don't let it suffer.

I,m with you no point in xrays etc, she seems a bit better when I took her to the vet. Have come back with some anti inflamitories. Will keep a close eye and if she goes down hill know what to do.

[timmy k 591]

Has she had a knock on the back? had a tiny gill a few years back who after having a scuffle with a rat in a wheely bin which jumped on her back to evade capture, lost the use of her back legs for a few days, she recovered but always had a limp on her back right leg.