I have a question about how to proceed with a ferret who won't eat or
drink after 400mcg lupron. He is a 4 1/2 - 5 year old male hob,
Grasshopper. I have been treating him with lupron once every 3 weeks.
We started off with 200mcg every 3 weeks but doubled the dose on the
vets recommendation. The problem is that the clinical signs are
conflicting. He is regrowing hair on his tail and body. But his
appetite is completely gone. He refuses food and water. As a result
his weight is down and he appears to be wasting away. I have started
giving him oral electrolyte as he is dehydrated and is very
lethargic. He has had approx 6cc over 18hrs period in addition to
some water which he will drink (but only out of the bath tub or a
glass that I've already drank out of?!?). I have also started "force"
feedings of the chicken baby food but have only managed to get about
3 - 4cc down over 18hrs. He refuses all 3 types of ferret kibble I
have. I noticed this occurred when we moved him up to 400mcg lupron
last dose. Of course I'm thinking that the lupron is related to his
appetite loss. If so, is surgery now the only course? I would have to
get a loan to be able to afford that so I would like to be certain
that this is the appropriate course of action. Moreover, what can I
do in the short term to get nutrition into him other than via oral
syringe? Any help woul be GREATLY appreciated.

Sincerely,
Robert Rose