Julia Brave Heart is ill...

Question
Hi Cassie, I have a 5 year old female ferret who has been in great health since she was a tiny baby. Recently she became extremely ill, losing about half her body weight within a very short time (she's now weighing in at about 14.5 ounces...). Biopsies revealed hepatic lipidosis and helicobacter gastritis. She is now on Pepto Bismol .5 cc TID, Clarithromycin .25 TID, Amoxi .3 TID, Marin 1 tab QD, and Gastricalm 1/2 tab BID. A feeding tube has been inserted into her esophagus and she is receiving 7-9 daily feedings of Ferret Soup (a mixture of Recovery, Ensure, Pedialyte, Baby Turkey, and Baby Rice for bulk). Sometimes she perks up and shows spunk and spirit, other times she's limp as a wet noodle. I love her so very much and it's breaking my heart seeing her like this. She's worth every penny I've invested in her care, but I'm wondering if I'm just prolonging the inevitability of her demise by putting her through all this treatment, just so I can keep her with me awhile longer. In your experience, what is the prognosis of a ferret recovering from an illness as serious as this?

Answer
These are both serious diseases as I am sure your veternarian has explained. Helicobacter gastritis(ulcer)and hepatic lipidosis (liver damage) are both greatly affected by nutrition. If your vet hasn't already I would also have the ferret tested for Proliferative colitis since often times when diagnosed with Helicobacter gastritis develop colitis.

I have seen the good and bad of both sides. Some will be close to death and make a full recovery. Some will seem fine and not make it. The treatment you vet has given seems like something my vet would give.

I cannot tell you if it is time for your ferret to be put to sleep or if she will make a full recovery. As with my own animals you will know it is time as most loving owners do. If you feel she has no chance of a quality life or if you feel she has a fighting chance.

I am sorry your furbaby is sick and wish I could offer some solid answers.