Smokey

Question
Smokey is a 7 year old ferret. He has always had the same brand of food (all in one ferret food), he loves crasins and gets them in moderation. Three years ago I was told he had adrenal disease which would eventually kill him. He is blind. He has gone through spells of losing all his hair and it comes back, he has lost weight and gained it back. However, yesterday we woke up to him sleeping in the litter box (which he doesn't even like to use once it has been used once)he was very lethargic, he has lost a lot of weight again, he was having a very difficult time walking. But we got him to drink a little bit of water, took a little bit of ferrettone, and ate two crasins. This took us ALL DAY to acomplish. His poop is sort of a thick black tarry substance, and I feel like he is dying. What can I do to help him?

Answer
Hi Tonya:

I'm so sorry to hear that Smokey is doing so badly. If he is pooping black tarry looking stools, he is bleeding internally and yes, he is probably dying.  The best thing you can do for him right now is to take him to the vet and have the vet give him a shot to help him cross the Rainbow Bridge gently and peacefully (euthanasia).  Forcing food, water or even treats down him at this point really accomplishes nothing except makes him uncomfortable. Just hold him gently, rock him, even sing to him, and hopefully you can get him to the vet so you know he is not in pain.

I'm so sorry to have to tell you this, but it is important that you realize that once he is bleeding internally he has probably hours to live. Perhaps he will have already passed by the time you receive this reply.  If so, I hope and pray he passed gently.

<<<<hugs>>>  You may appreciate this website that gives you a place to write a tribute to Smokey. They also have a weekly Monday Night Candle Lighting Ceremony to honor pets who have died.  http://www.petloss.com    There are some wonderful folks there and a chat room in case you need to talk - they are great listeners.  

If I can help in any way, don't hesitate to write again.

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers