In the run up to Christmas, our gorgeous boy Coffee began to lose weight, and start to seem a little lethargic and unwell. Nearly everyone who knows the Sanctuary, knows Coffee to be a little ray of sunshine. He LOVES meeting people, sniffing and cuddling and showing his adoring public how amazing ferrets are! As such a bouncy, confident, social little boy, this change in behaviour and condition was really concerning.
We went to our vet for initial examinations, a blood test and ultrasound scans, and we started him on treatment for the possibility of gastric ulcers. After no improvement with the prescribed medication, and with him scarily losing even more weight, we went to get further tests. Another ultrasound scan showed no changes in his abdomen or throat. We had a hormonal implant put in place, incase of adrenal disease, and to protect his adrenal glands regardless. We then discovered that one of the glands on his anus was really swollen and blocked. This could be inflammation for a number of reasons, or could be something more serious, like a cancerous tumour.
We are now trying antibiotics and anti-inflammatory painkillers, and are due to see the vet again in a couple of days. We will get a biopsy to determine the type of cells and the reason for the swelling. His appetite is really low and he is now really, really skinny. We are syringe-feeding him a special nutrient-dense food, little and often, and trying to help him keep his weight from decreasing further. He is bright and alert, but we are all sick with worry for this beautiful little boy.
For now, we are keeping Coffee as warm, comfortable and happy as possible. He loves being with his friends Mavis, Sabrina and Josie.. snuggling up all cosy under blankets with limbs intertwined. He loves cuddles, nose-kisses and exploring. He is the sweetest, most gentle, loving little soul.
His vets bills are adding up so quickly. For vet consultations, ultrasound scans, blood tests, special food, the hormonal implant and his medication so far, we are already way over £500. We are hoping to get a biopsy and any other medication or treatments we can try with him. We would like to get a referral for an exotic specialist, but their initial consultation is around £250.
In the winter months, the sanctuary costs are already high. Keeping the animals warm, clean and well-fed is much pricier at this time of year. We will do our absolute best for Coffee, but absolutely any help we can get is massively appreciated.
Please send pennies, pounds and healing vibes for Coffee the ferret. We will keep you updated on his progress over the coming days, and tell him that he has people rooting for him.
Thank you
PTF
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