Hi, it's me again. Did I mention that I love this site?

Several years ago, someone abandoned seven ferrets in a Petco store. One ferret was smaller than the rest and clearly had some issues going on. Petco paid her veterinary bills and she went to their vet no less than seven times. Unfortunately, the vet she was going to didn't have an exotic vet specializing in ferrets on staff. They did their best, but ferrets are tricky and her issues remained. When there was talk of euthanizing her, I pulled myself up out of the tattoo artist's chair where I was having "SUCKER" tattooed on my forehead and adopted the ferret. I named her "Sugar".

Sugar had no fur. She had raw, itchy skin that was uncomfortable just to look at. Imagine living in that skin! Her current vet referred us to another vet. We went there and the doctor did skin scrapes and blood tests and wanted to see her every Tuesday. Every Tuesday?!?!? It was between $100 - $200 per visit, but we did it. Thank goodness for credit cards!!!

The veterinarian made is seem so imperative that she be seen weekly that I panicked when he went on a ski trip one week and was completely booked for the following week. What would we do? I spent every free moment researching ferret skin conditions online, and I found one isolated case of sarcoptic mange in a ferret. According to the paper I read, one could do 1,000 skin scrapes and the mange would never show up. The treatment was a simple lyme dip.

When I was finally able to see the veterinarian, I very humbly and respectfully mentioned what I had read. The veterinarian was furious with me and informed me that we already tried lyme dips. I didn't know why he was so angry with me; I was just trying to help my friend. He said, "You want lyme dip? Here! Take the lyme dip!" I took the lyme dip. Let me tell you, I would have remembered if we had tried that before. Phew! That is some potent medication! But did I mention...SUGAR'S FUR GREW BACK!!! Yep!

So, I referred myself to another veterinarian. He recommended continuing the course of treatment with lyme dip until the bottle was finished (about a week). For almost three years now, Sugar has been a big fluff of happiness.

Last week, she began scratching again and losing fur. We have an appointment at the veterinarian for Saturday. Please say prayers and send positive thoughts for Sugar.

Thank you.

Hi, Walk Alone, what an adorable little face!! Thank you so much for sharing Sugar's story with us, and please know that both you and Sugar in my thoughts and prayers, and I will eagerly await to know how things go with the vet Saturday.

And I'm glad you have been able to find a good vet to help you with Sugar. I'm so sorry you had that experience with that other vet.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Cancer.

Walk Alone, I am so o o o o sorry. That horrible word just seems to be invading the diagnosis of our beloved companions more and more. I remember when cancer was a rare diagnosis - - and now - - it seems to be one of the top 5 dominant ones.

You and your precious Sugar are in my thoughts and prayers, Walk Alone, and please do let us know how things are going.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi, Walk Alone, just stopping by to see how things are going for you and your precious Sugar. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear (((((((Walk Alone)))))))

I'm so sorry, I just saw your post about your very beautiful & precious Sugar, and I am extremely sorry to hear of her diagnosis.

Some veterinarians are rude and should not be in the profession that they chose, so I am happy to hear that you found another vet.

I will surely keep you and Sugar in my prayers.

Whenever you feel like writing, please let us know how you are.

God Bless.

Much love & many hugs to you and yours,

Denise

Thanks Denise and moon_beam for your concern.

This evening at 7:00 p.m., Sugar has an appointment to receive a Deslorelin implant. The implant has the potential to put the adrenal cancer into remission for up to three years.

She is doing great otherwise. She is eating and drinking like a champ and terrorizing the cats, as ususal.

I'm sorry it took so long to update, but my only computer is at work. No computer at home.

Hi, Walk Alone, just being able to get caught up on your news. Thank you so much for letting us know how things are going for your precious Sugar. I hope the implant works, and that she will enjoy a happy and healthy quality of life. I know you and Sugar's physician will do everything in your power to ensure that she does. A good appetite is always a good sign.

Please let us know how things went with the vet visit on Monday, and how Sugar is doing with it so far. Please know you and your precious Sugar are in my thoughts and prayers, Walk Alone, and look forward to knowing how things are going for you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you, moon_beam.

It was a rough vet visit. The vet had an intern do the procedure and it ended with more blood loss than needed and medical glue accidentally spilled all over Sugar's back. Luckily, this was a one time visit to this specialist, and we can go back to our regular exotic vet now.

It is too soon to see much improvement. However, while I was cleaning Sugar's cage and she was running around this morning, she kicked a 17 lb cat out of a kitty tent because she wanted to lay there instead. The girl is spunky!

Hi, Walk Alone, thank you so oo much for letting us know how things went at the vet. Oh my gosh - - I think I would have had a major panic attack. The good news is that it sounds like Sugar has recoverd from the ordeal, and hopefully you have as well.

I have to laugh at your description of Sugar's victory. It reminds me so much of a similar "battle" that my Noah and Abbygayle fought when they were just little tykes sharing a kitty play pen while I was at work. There was a hammock in the play pen and at that time it was big enough for the both of them. Abbygayle had settled down in the hammock and Noah wanted to share it. However, Abbygayle wasn't in the mood to share. A dispute ensued, with possession of the hammock changing paws a couple of times, but before I left for work Abbygayle had settled the issue and had re-claimed possession. After that dispute, however, they were always together in the hammock, and I have several pictures of them sharing it. Thank you so much for sharing Sugar's indomitable spirit with us, and for the stirring of a wonderful memory for me to share as well.

Walk Alone, thank you again so much for sharing with us how things are going so far. Please know you and Sugar are in my thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to knowing how things are going whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam