Insulinoma, surgery, now hind weakness

Question
We have owmed ferrets for 15 years.  I have a 6.5 year old ferret, Cocoa.  He was diagnosed with Insulinoma and had a surgery 2 weeks ago.  We decided against the drugs this time as it did nothing with 2 previous ferrets.  the surgery removed a large tumor in pancrease but others couldnt be removed, Also others were seen on adrenal and spots on spleen. Cocoa recoverd from the surgery but now has little to no hind leg strength.  Cocoa is responsive, wakes, drinks but eats very little.  Most of his weight is gone.  My question.  We know the time is near to either have the vet put him to sleep or die at home with his brothers.   What is better for Cocoa as far as pain he might be feeling or dying from starvation?  I need an honest answer.  We have brought 2 older unresponsive, worse senario ferrets to the vet in the past but how do I know when its right to do now.

Please be forward, Thanks,Russell  

Answer
Hi Russell,
I think when the quality of life for a ferret is gone and they are starving and getting thinner and thinner it's time to let them go.  It's so hard.  I have 20 ferrets now and I have an albino female that is only 5 and has a severe neurological disorder.  She can no longer walk but still eats (baby food) and her stools are fine.  I am going to let her go on her own only because she is not starving.  When ferrets lose the ability to walk in their hind quarters it usually
is a sign that their kidneys are failing.  Sorry for the bleak answer, but Cocoa is probably in more pain then he lets on.  Animals don't show pain as a person does.

I hope this helps you decide.
Mary