My poor sick ferret, Ike.(What to do?)

[Queen of Poop]

I'm glad Ike is doing better. I'm so very sorry you lost Eli. I believe a ferrets normal life span is 8-10 years. My Sebastian is only 5. Hopefully after a few more lupron shots Ike will start to grow his hair back. Make sure he's got lots of warm things to snuggle into. I've seen ferret tshirts at the pet store, maybe he needs a shirt? I'm contemplating that for Sebastian as his hair loss progresses, now his bum is completely naked.

[GenDebra]

I am soooo sorry you lost Eli! I know how heart breaking that can be! But if Ike is still eating and playing with the others, I am sure the worst is over for him.

As far as the Lupron shots go, you should start to see positive changes a week or so after the first shot. But it takes typically 2-4 weeks for new hair growth to begin. Oh, well! My Butterscotch got her first shot about 10 days ago. Still no new fur on her backside. Tony and Thunder got their shots at the same time. They've had shots before, and were only missing hair on their tails. Both of them have begun their regrowth.

From what I have studied and learned, if your ferrets are gotten from reputable dealers and have good breeding (genetics do make a difference), 8-10 years is a pretty typical lifespan. With outstanding breeding and the best care, 12 years is not uncommon. I think the maximum I've heard of is 15 years. So you have lots more love and fun to look forward to!

Ferret clothes are a great idea. My babies love them, but only for a bit before they take them off. Oh, well. Have you tried www.theferretstore.com ? They have tons of great stuff. Shipping fees are minimal, and of course there is no tax unless you live in their warehouse's state. They have clothes, food, cages, toys, everything you could want for ferrets. I have shopped there almost exclusively for the last 6 years. They have expanded to include cats, dogs, and other small animals in their store. So it's a pretty cool place. No, I don't work for them. But I guess I do sound like an advertisement!

Again, I'm glad Ike is doing better. Please keep us all posted. We're praying for you!

"GenDebra" - Debbie, mom to Latte, Butterscotch, Tony and Thunder

[husky_lover]

I thought I'd give an update on how poor Ike is doing. I've made in a coat out of a old flannel shirt which he keeps on to my suprise. He is now compleatly bald! not one strand of hair on him anywhere. But good news is that Ike is now eating regular food and is as playful as ever. He even gets mad at his brother and sister when they try to crawl into is coat! It's so cute!!! I think he knows that if he takes it off he will get cold. He did give me a scare the other day though. He went into the "Death sleep" I was so freaked out!!! I thought I lost him. Thank you all for your prayers!!!

[Queen of Poop]

Thanks for the update. He may be completely bald as this is the season for them to shed. You may find that he will regrow hair soon. Maybe. At least this is the reasoning my vet had last night for Sebastian, who is losing all of his hair too. I'm glad to hear Ike will keep his coat on. I will soon need to do the same for Sebastian. Prayers and crossed fingers for continued good health and some hair growth!!