pancreatic cancer

Question
My ferret, Bandit, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer approximately 4 months ago. I am having the hardest time getting him to eat. I hand feed him morning and evenings after his medication (Diazoxide). I am  also giving him ferritvite hoping this will help simulate his appetite. Is there anything else out there that would help his appetite. thank you...Bandit's mom.
(P.S.  he has lost 3 oz. since being diagnosed)


Answer
Hello Susan.  I am SO sorry to hear about Bandit.  I know how difficult it can be caring for a sick ferret.  Have you heard of a product called "Duck Soup"?  It is made specifically for ill and sick ferrets, and is high protein and high calorie.  It is very palatable, and most of them LOVE it.  It does not contain any duck, that is just the name!  It is available as a powder that you mix with water, and you can find it for sale in many pet stores.

Here is the Petco website with the product information:

http://petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?familyid=10504&Ntt=duck%20soup&OneResultRedir...

You can also make your own version of duck soup.  Here is a great recipe.

http://www.laneferrets.org/html/ducksoup.htm  

One more suggestion is to feed him more often than twice a day.  A ferret needs food and water every 4-6 hours, so that can certainly be adding to his weight loss.  It is much better to feed him small amounts as often as possible, rather than larger amounts less frequently.

I hope this information helps!  Poor Bandit.  Let me know if I can help you with anything else.

-Cindy P.