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"Around
the middle of June 1999 we got a call from a wildlife group
asking us to pick up an injured ferret, who had been found in
a parking lot by a policeman. It appeared as if Heidi had been
hit by a car, or fallen out of one. She was paralyzed in the
rear legs and suffering from shock. She arrived at 10:00pm so
we made her comfortable and fed her a soft food diet and liquids,
then the following morning we sent her to be x-rayed. The x-ray
showed a broken back and a dislocated elbow!
Heidi
was no more than four months old and was extremely happy and
playful. I wondered if anything could be done for such a young
ferret, so she would not have to spend the rest of her life
a cripple. We consulted with four veterinarians, one being a
neuro-surgeon. Unfortunately the future of our little little
subject was bleak. The neuro-surgeon suggested shaving part
of the spine to relieve pressure, but indicated that the spinal
cord was probably damaged beyond repair and there was little
chance of Heidi walking again.
With
the stress of surgery and possible failure, I decided that Heidi
would continue as she is now. Caring for her would fill the
void I felt when I lost Ferruchi, who became very ill with insulinoma
and chronic diarrhea caused by an inflammatory bowel condition.
Ferruchi was also paralyzed in the back legs.
To
celebrate the arrival of Heidi I had a mug and a registration
plate printed so that we can all partake of her courage and
her happy, sunny temperament."
Angela
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