Sudden weight loss, lethargy

Question
My little guy used to be a hyper little porky player. Then he started sleeping more. I suddenly realized last week he was actually half his weight. and the food I normally refilled every day wasn't gone (he'd been a pig). The water bottle wasn't as empty. Over the past few days I have watched him. He will eat turkey baby food in small amounts (1/4 -1/2 tsp) and moistened cat food in a small handfull but I am only with him at night. Drinking water is questionable. Sometimes from a dish but he doesn't like the bottle anymore. He still moves around some but not as much. Still has an attitude but is weak. His stool is inconsistent in consistency. Always loose but dark to light and back to dark. No vomiting. Now ove the past two months, two things happened. 1) He tore a claw at the quick but it healed and is growing back. Didn't even limp the next day. Vet office told me not to bother bringing him in since it didn't bleed much. 2) We have had extreme weather temp swings. I try to cover the cage with a quilt and always have a heater on it but I know they are fragile. No respiratory issues, though. The other ferret is fine. This one is about 5 years old. I can't afford a vet to help him. I did get a high calorie and vitamin supplement for him. Any hints to what I can do for him? I want to save him but can't afford a vet or the extensive tests.  Is it renal failure and any idea why? One recent stool was very dark.

Answer
Hello Michelle,

It sounds like your ferret needs medical attention.  This is not something that anyone can advise online, and he needs prompt veterinary care if he is not eating well and loosing weight.  There is no way for me to even begin to guess what might be wrong with him since his symptoms are vague.  Please get him to your vet ASAP to get him the help he deserves.  

I do realize money is a concern, but owning pets is expensive and there will always be vet bills. There is a company called care credit that most vet clinics accept as a payment plan.  This is a reputable option and used frequently in the clinic I work for in situations like yours.  Please see the following link for more information and the online application:

http://www.carecredit.com

It is important to make sure your clinic accepts care credit as payment.  Make sure you call them to check that they do, or talk to your vet about other payment options if they are available.

I'm sorry that I cannot help more, but I am here to answer basic questions about ferret care, and your situation is in need of medical attention.  Please call your vet ASAP and have him seen as soon as possible.

-Cindy P.