Meet Mira

Nearly 5 years ago, Mira came to the Ferret Association of Connecticut shelter. At 3 months old, she had been stepped on, causing permanent injury to her shoulders and front legs. Bleach had been spilled on her and not washed off, causing third degree chemical burns to half her body. Mira almost died that first night. But Mira is a fighter; she survived. In time, Mira became sassy and spoiled. Although still crippled, with missing hair over her deeply burned shoulders, Mira blossomed into an "almost normal" ferret.

What isn't normal about Mira is her spirit. Outgoing and friendly, Mira is the star of any event she attends. She can never climb or run fast, but she can play and hop and loves to nip toes. (Mira's history)

Mira's New Battle

Mira has a form of skin cancer her doctors have never seen in a ferret. From a small spot, it grew to cover her left shoulder. We were referred to Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. There, a world-renowned reconstructive surgeon and a specialist in cancer conferred. They found that Mira is otherwise in great health for her age, with a strong heart, and no signs of other illness. Their recommendation was to surgically remove the skin tumor, close the gaping hole, then give her three weeks of radiation therapy to stop the cancer. They explained to us that radiation for pets is not the debilitating treatment it is for humans; mild doses are used that do not cause discomfort.

Mira's treatment will cost thousands of dollars. You may ask if she's worth so much. Our belief is that not only are we saving this one animal, but her case will provide veterinarians with important information that can help save more ferrets. The reconstructive surgeon writes textbooks and gives lectures regularly to other doctors. Mira's treatment will pave the way to a protocol for treating this form of cancer in our beloved pets. And Mira should have years added to her life.

As you can see in the photo above,  Mira has undergone the surgical removal of the tumor. (More Mira pictures from this year). Her skin was loosened and stretched in an amazing example of her surgeon's skill. She has recovered and has even more mobility than before. Now she is ready for the next step.

Mira's Final Chapter

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