Penny was rushed to the vet today! She's having seizures! Sad update: She's gone

[Arlene]

 Sandi, the foster dog, was barking like crazy this morning. Lara, my daughter, started downstairs to see what was wrong and heard someone screaming. It was my ferret, Penny. She was seizing. I rushed her to the vet and they've finally stabilized her. She had 3 seizures that I know of here, one on the way and 2 after she got there. Her glucose count was 20 and normal is 100 and that was after the doctor gave her some! Her temperature  was 98 and normal is 101-102. Her heart rhythm was off as well. It was galloping. Obviously this is not good. I gave her Reiki on the way and it must have helped because by all rights she should have been dead. I left her there with a heavy heart.  I don't know what is going to happen but she's in good hands. Please send her good thoughts!
 

[Arlene]

Even with intensive care, Penny did not respond to treatment. We decided it was best to let her go.  Now I am left with a hole in my heart and with a lone ferret who is already grieving.

[JR1030]

Oh, Arlene, I'm so, so sorry about Penny. 

[OldsGal]

Oh Arlene,

I am so very very sorry for your loss.  Poor Penny!  You did the most humane thing for her even though your heart does not feel so right now.  I am sending lots of hugs your way as well as good loving vibes to both you and Penny's cagemate.  You know I am always hear to listen to you anytime you need me.

Staci

[Sunilata]

I am so sorry Arlene. Did you know she had insulinoma?

[Marybelle]

I'm so sorry, Arlene.  *hugs*

[Arlene]

First of all I want to thank everyone for the kind words. I'd like to say that I feel better today but I don't. The suddenness of it all is really effecting me. Penny was a rescue who was found wandering down the street. She wasn't with me very long, about 1 1/2 years, I loved her dearly. It's so good to have all of you to talk with and not have to explain myself. I don't know how I'd make it without all of you! Thanks so much!!!!

Kurtsgirl,

There were no specific signs that she had Insulinoma or of any other disease. That's one reason it's such a shock. Penny had always been a very quite ferret. Before her seizures started I had noticed about 2 days ago, that she seemed even quieter than ever. Other than that, there was no evidence of any disease. I'm trying not to drive myself crazy wondering if the signs were there and I didn't notice. I always take my kids in whenever something seems wrong. Dr. Helen said that she's pretty sure there were other things wrong besides the Insulinoma. Penny did not respond to the "normal" treatment for Insulinoma which usually brings them back to a point that they can be treated with medication and later, if possible, surgery.  Penny would not have been a candidate for surgery even if she had survived so there wasn't much choice. I wasn't going to let my baby suffer anymore.

[Marybelle]

I know you do the absolute best you can for all your furkids, Arlene.  So I have no doubts at all on that point.  If you'd known something was wrong, you'd have had her at the vet.  It is terrible to lose them suddenly, and worse when you second-guess yourself and wonder if there was something you missed.  *hugs*

[QueenRat2007]

Aw, Arlene, I'm so so sorry
I hope for the best, for you, your daughter, family, her cagemate, and anybody else who feels the pain.
You did the best for her, by letting her go.
She needed to go, and you helped set her free.