nucci
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Posts: 186
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Post by nucci on Apr 30, 2012 19:28:57 GMT -5
Where do I start? Winky is 6 1/2 years old and has Insulinoma. Over the past couple months he has had 3 seizures. He had adrenal surgery 2 years ago and the vet didn't think it would be a good idea to have the insulinoma surgery with his health and age. Hes currently taking Prednizone and Proglycem twice a day. We are at the highest dose the vet will prescribe for him. Winky had another episode this past weekend when our regular vet was closed. We took him to an emergency vet and they kept an iv of sugar flowing through him for over 24 hours. When I picked him last night he was alert, but still weak. I thought that would get better but now he is just dragging his back legs around. He can move his feet enough to turn himself in the direction he wants to go. I'm going to get him back in to see his vet but my fear is this may be the end or maybe a decision I will have to make. I don't want him to suffer so I guess what I'm asking is is there hope for Winky?
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Post by Dingo on May 1, 2012 7:30:37 GMT -5
First off - hugs from me because it is very clear how much you love Winky. You have already done so much for Winky and that he is still going at 6+ years with all those medical issues is testimony to your care. I know it is very difficult but it is clear from your post that you can put aside thoughts of yourself and think only of Winky and his physical needs. When I'm faced with this situation I consider it as a hospice stage of life for my ferret. As long as my ferret is eating and drinking well, pooping regularly and his eyes are their normal rounded shape (narrowed, squinting eyes indicate pain) I consider that they have a good quality of life. For a ferret that doesn't get around very easily, I like to take them out of the cage and carry them around so they can see the outside world because that saves them from getting bored. Just make sure that Winky's cage is set up so everything is on one level and his water and food bowls are within very easy reach of his bed. This is very important as his movement becomes more limited over the months ahead and you don't want him unable to get to food and water for say, an entire day, while you're away from home. Take out any ladders that may be in the cage because with limited leg movement he could get a leg caught up in one of those ladders. Pay attention to cleaning his rear end for him if he cannot get to the litter bin on time. Baby wipes are great for this. Be aware that he may get urine scalds on his rear end. I think it's lanoline you gently pat on the surrounding hairless areas to make that area a little moisture proof ... I'm not totally sure it was lanoline so do check that one. I went through this with one of my females and she did get a severe diaper rash until I realized what was happening. Give lots of duck soup! Winky will love it and you'll feel very good gently feeding him something you made yourself - with love. Winky can happily live for another year or more but with limited movement. You will know when it comes to a time where he's not having much fun and that life is an uphill battle. When that time comes just know in your heart that he cannot live for ever and that he is one of the lucky ferrets that lives a lifetime of love with a devoted human. Keep us posted - and please know that we're always here for you and Winky.
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judy
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Tamma 6-4-09
Posts: 4,247
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Post by judy on May 1, 2012 18:36:53 GMT -5
I can't think of anything else you can do. You're already using the highest dose of two medications, and I imagine you are already making sure he has soup as often as you can, which will help keep his bg stable. I agree with Dingo that all you can do is just take care of him and love him, just like you've been doing, until or unless you think he is in pain or feeling sick. If you do let him free roam (which I ended up doing with Tamma the last 6 months), just put down scatter rugs/runners for traction. I also used "pee pads" instead of a litter box - and a LOT of clorox wipes!! Tamma never worried too much about where she went even in her best days Winky will be in my thoughts... keep us posted.
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boby
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Post by boby on May 2, 2012 0:49:09 GMT -5
Beautiful post Dingo. We will pray for Winky's health tonight. We wish you both the best Nucci.
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nucci
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Posts: 186
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Post by nucci on May 2, 2012 21:10:21 GMT -5
Thank you all so much for your words and for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. We decided today after Winky had another seizure that it was time to let him go. The hardest decision I ever made but I felt it was the time. He couldn't lift his head enough to get food or water out of the bowl. Today I came home and found Winky near his favorite cozy chair that he no longer can climb in shaking really bad. I picked him up and wrapped him in a blanket and just loved on him. He quit shaking so I thought I'd take him outside (he loves the outdoors) as soon as we went out his nose started sniffing the air.....this was the first sign of my Winky that I'd seen in a long time. I thought I'd put him in the grass but as soon as he started smelling the grass he had another seizure (4 days since his last). I immediately brought him inside once it was over and rubbed Karo on his gums. Since it was close to time for his nightly medicine I went ahead and gave him his dose of Proglycem. Winky was deaf but when I would come to their bedroom door he would smell me and always come to the door looking for attention and when I'd pick him up he would always give me kisses. He was also the king of the magic blanket.....seriously would push off the other ferrets if they tried to get on. Sorry for rambling......Just trying to keep his memories alive! I definately loved him so much! Thank you all again for your words of kindness!
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boby
New Member
Posts: 174
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Post by boby on May 2, 2012 23:27:52 GMT -5
Nucci we know how you feel. The love you gave eachother will remain forever. Please recover soon as he is not suffering any more. I do believe there is a heaven for our beloved ferrets, how could not be for beings so perfect and lovely.
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Post by ordinarygirl on May 3, 2012 7:56:34 GMT -5
I'm so sorry But you gave Winky unconditional love right up to the end and were his best friend It sounds like you had a wonderful life together and that you took excellent care of him. Rest easy now good friend Winky
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judy
New Member
Tamma 6-4-09
Posts: 4,247
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Post by judy on May 3, 2012 8:09:33 GMT -5
I am so sorry about Winky and I'm sorry you had to make that decision. No matter how they leave us, its never easy, and when they are so special, its even harder. Hugs to you... RIP Winky
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nucci
New Member
Posts: 186
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Post by nucci on May 3, 2012 8:34:24 GMT -5
Thank you all so much for your kind words. I know they are heartfelt words because it looks like you've all lost a few precious ferrets yourself. The pain will ease and the tears will stop but he will live forever in my heart. He's at the Rainbow Bridge probably dooking and playing with your babies while they wait for us to meet them there. I know he's not alone and he's in no pain, running around once again. I love you Winky!
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Post by Barbara on May 3, 2012 17:48:52 GMT -5
I'm so sorry about Winky and that I haven't posted until now. He knew love and loved in return. I'm sure he's at the Bridge finding a way to let you know he'll be waiting. {{{{HUgs}}}}
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nucci
New Member
Posts: 186
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Post by nucci on May 4, 2012 7:41:46 GMT -5
Thank you Barbara! It's harder than I ever imagined it would be.....everywhere I look I get a picture of a time when he was in that spot doing something to make me laugh.
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Post by unclejoe on May 4, 2012 13:48:47 GMT -5
I am sorry you had to let Winky go, but you did so much for him he was lucky to have such a loving ferrent. A sign of a true animal lover is that we can make that terrible decision to relieve them of suffering. Dook in Peace, Winky.
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Post by Dingo on May 5, 2012 19:41:32 GMT -5
I've said most of what I wanted to say in my earlier post. Right now I just want to extend to you hugs from all the members here at EF who understand exactly how you are feeling right now.
That you were able to step up to the plate and make that hardest of decisions for Winky says so much about you as a person and as Winky's best friend.
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