Not a Squirrel, but our Marbled Polecat.

[craftscritters]

It's extremely saddening to me how an animal can be sold and shipped knowing they are ill.

We received our new Marbled Polecats last night around 7:00pm, gourgeous little guys. Unfortunately after removing the female and male from their kennel the male was immobile. Still breathing but very still. Not even blinking. Last night we rushed him to Blue Ridge Veterinary Hospital about 100 miles northwest of us. We got there at 11:30 pm. We got home at around 3:00 am. Based on diagnosis; he was severly dehydrated, possibly hypoglycemic. His chances of pulling through are low but we are hopeful.

His condition was such that it would require more time to detioriate to this level. We're praying for recovery. He's still there undergoing treatment and will most likely stay until Tuesday. We asked the vet to do whatever possible to save him. How someone can do this is extremely upsetting. It is also apparent to me that the health certificate must be wrong, because a vet would've seen this prior to shipping.

Pray for Lil Bear. He is not a squirrel, but, we are hoping for the best that he will pull through.

[Momma Squirrel]

That is just terrible, so glad they have you to look after them and make sure they get the very best care than can. Sending lots of prayers to the vet and Lil Bear :grouphug :grouphug

[craftscritters]

Update from the vets office is that they're feeding him through a syringe. Still moving slow. The doctor that tends to him will be in this evening to give us a more up to date status on him.

Sadly, the female that was behaving normally is now starting to show signs of lack of motion and eating.

It is apparent the breeder in Florida did not feed or water them on a recurring basis while at his facility. There is no reason whatsoever that these guys should be in the situation they're in right now. So we will be taking the female up to the vet to have her checked out if in fact she is developing the same signs/symptoms of dehydration and hypoglycemia.

They were shipped with no food! The vetenarian signed on the health certificate for these guys for shipping... why I can't see. The guy will not respond to emails. So, next step is to contact the USDA Inspector to inform them of this problem once I get all the paperwork from my veterinarian. I'm even surprised the airline excepted the shipment without food/water in the kennel.

This is what makes it hard for my wife and I to do business as a professional breeder; to be compared with this dealers or breeders that put money above the life of the animal.

[TexanSquirrel]

Sorry to hear they're not feeling so well. I hope they get better soon!

[craftscritters]

The vet office called. Still being fed through syringe and given either IV catheter or Sub-q injections. He was showing some signs of mobility earlier. But he's not reacting as he should.

They hope by tomorrow that he show further improvement.the doctor says he's not coming around as quickly as he should but time will tell. I have asked them to keep him for as long as it takes. At least to a point where they feel nothing else can be done.

[sherbear59]

So sorry to hear about this,,,,,,,,, jeese,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, whats the :soapbox is wrong with pe:shakehead ople Praying for their recovery:grouphug :grouphug

[craftscritters]

Lil Bear will be in the hospital for another night. The doctor says he is eating food from a syringe. They found that he has worms! So he was treated for that. He says he's still not moving or as active as he should be for a polecat.

Sad part, Milla, our female polecat is showing similar signs/symptoms starting to develop. Shes not eating as much or drinking as much as she should be. She will now have to go in for emergency treatment based on some of the problems they have found in the male.

Worse off, based on phone messages left on my cell, is the breeder in Florida says that this is somehow my fault! He doesn't show concern for the animal, more concern over what I wrote in an email to him! He said I should have left them at home for 3 to 4 days, and that I did not follow that instruction. They're scared so that's why they're not eating right now. That the animals were healthy before leaving him. :rotfl . If I followed that advice... they would he would be dead.

I guess they get worms in flight with no food or water. He said meat eaters do not require food in flight because meet goes bad. There are other solids you can feed a polecat!! Plus, polecats are not known for being frightened to the point where they are non responsive to any stimuli. They will bite, bark, spray. They are quite fiesty! He's tried calling me (at least 12 times) but have not answered yet. Figured since he can't answer me when I needed his assistance, there's nothing he can do now.

During all of this, he shows no concern for the animals. So, I told him -whether he wants it or not- that the vet record for these animals will be filed along with the airwaybill and health certificate in accordance with my USDA AWA Inspector. How a vet will certify animal as healthy is appalling. These events transpired in a day... less than even.

I can't believe this! Gourgeous animals. And treated like garbage by their host facility. Un :madd believable!

[Mountain Mama]

Ugh. I will never understand how someone can treat a living, breathing thing with no regard whatsoever. Bless you for taking such good care of them. Praying that they will pull through.

[CupCake'sMomma]

What a horrible story , i hope they are doing better!

Something needs to be done about the situation - can you imagine how many animals he has shipped inappropriately? I'm sure this wasnt a "fluke", lucky for the poor critters they had such a wonderful home waiting for them. You're effort is truely heartwarming!

If the lives of innocent animals isn't important to him at least reputation should be.

Keeping your babies in my thoughts!

[Sarabi]

Tell me who and where they are... I'll fix em! I'll have FWC inspector out there faster than you can say cruelty!:soapbox

[sherbear59]

This is TERRIBLE!! :( Just another case where the almighty dollar means more than an "animals" life! :frustratedx I wouldn't bother talking to him, either. Let him talk to the authorities! :thumbsup I think it's FANTASTIC what you are doing! :wott This breeder and the vet, need to be "come down hard" on! :alright.gif :alright.gif

I hope and pray your little ones will pull through this, and live a long, healthy life that they deserve! :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug :thankyou :thankyou :thankyou
Me too What Gammas said:thumbsup

[craftscritters]

Thank you all for the kind words and support! :). I am looking into filing a complaint but want to make sure I have documentation in hand from veterinary clinic prior to filing claim. This same information will go to my files for my USDA inspector. Not sure what legal recourse he can take against me since his resources are larger than mine but that is something I may have to risk.

He was found to have hookworms. He has been treated with de-wormer, antibiotics, as well as had blood work done. They are continuing Sub Q injections as well as syringe feeding (bare in mind he’s an adult). The looks of it is he’ll probably be in the hospital through Wednesday. The female will have to go in soon which will be the day we go pick the male up.

Financially it is starting to hit and with the female going in to treatment we are definitely feeling the pinch. But, we are going to tough it out for the sake of the two polecats. I’m not going to give this guy the time or day of getting the animals back for him to eventually kill for a refund. Or for him to go “Hahaha” I made my money off sick animals that will eventually pass so he will have to come back to buy more (which is a rather dumb thought).

The fact that he keeps blaming me is really agitating me. He left messages trying to explain this situation that they are acting like their dead or in shock because they are frightened. This is not behavior that I’ve seen in a polecat or ferret. I should’ve called him before taking to vet. He even said that if he had worms he should be treated with a polecat specific dewormer; I thought they were healthy before leaving his facitlity. So why didn't he treat them.

He said I was hard to reach; heck I did try calling Saturday and Sunday and he did not answer or the phone was turned off. I don't know what other excuses he can come up with but they are the same. They were healthy before leaving him (nevermind fact I paid for 3 but received 2). He had to take one out because it was limping and looked injured (he claims).

[Tum Tum]

What a (Excuse my french) A-Hole.

Can't understand what was so important in his life that he couldn't make sure they were healthy.

[MrBooMY]

I would not hold my tongue with a complete asshat like this. He would take the ear chewing of his life, and if I didn't at least get the cost of the vet bill out of him, I would take him to court. It's obvious they lied, and even got the vet to lie for them as well. There is no way an animal could be in that shape and pass a vet inspection. This person would hate me by the time I was done with them.

[craftscritters]

Excellent news!! Lil Bear is appears to be pulling through and eating like a champ!! Blood work came back normal but evidence of severe dehydration was present. :crazy.

We go to pick him up tomorrow and will bring in the female for treatment as well. :thankyou :thankyou :wahoo

He is the life the clinic up there. They tech said they actually had to stop him from eating too much. This is great news. Just have to iron out the vet expenses but it's worth it. The female is probably suffering from what the male is suffering from. Maybe not as bad but deffinitely need to get her in tomorrow when we go to pick the male up.

As for breeder; I will not be purchasing from him again. He also owes me for the third polecat he did not ship due to supposed injury. Guess it was so obvious he couldn't hide hit. In a way wish he would've shipped it. At least could've got her treated as well.

witt1189: I may take you up on that. As a public forum there shouldn't be any legal ramifications of placing the name of the company out here. But not sure. I will say that they are in New Port Richie, FL. It is a company with no website, and they post through animal ads online.

There is another company called The Animal Place that is nearby to the company I bought the polecats from; matter of fact I think they're in the same town, not sure. The Animal Place appears to be reputable company(wife and husband sound knowledgable).

[Feeze]

If you are uncomfortable sharing who these people are, there is no harm in giving Witt a PM with their information.:thumbsup She is an awesome individual, and will see that justice is served (though I must say, this guy deserves a bit more than that.:soapbox).

Sorry that you're feeling the $$ burn. Thank heavens you caught the female earlier.:sanp3 Bless you for taking such good care of these special animals.:grouphug

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

oh..how sad..im happy he's being taken care of now..
carol../...witt....will take care of them....get her all the info she needs...

:Welcome to the squirrel board..sending prayers your way..:Welcome
rachel n bean:wave123

[craftscritters]

Thanks all. Not so much of uncomfortable, but, the fact of what are legal ramifications. I have no problem reporting his company. He, in my opinion, is in violation of USDA AWA and possibly federal guidelines for shipping of wildlife. How enforceable it is, don't know.

Thanks to all!

[craftscritters]

Thank you gammas baby! I'm just estatic that he's gotten better! Now to make sure my Milla gets completely better.

I got my refund from him; since when did it cost $247.00 to ship from Florida to DC!? Usually runs $140 out of there, or less? So refund was $85.00. I'm about ready to hit him up for vet expenses as well. I can't wait to see how that will turn out. I was going to use the refund towards the vet care expense. That sorry :soapbox.

I cannot believe this. He's still trying to call me. They want to assit our vet :rotfl. What!? I emailed him telling him to respond via email on any regarding the refund. I've been emailing him so I thought he would take a hint. Plus we work full time. But apparently, according to him, my emails are fading :rotfl! He had an experienced marbled polecat breeder look him over before shipping. Wow... first it was a vet, then his driver, now an experienced marbled polecat breeder. Apparently they both must not know what to look for in an animal. Funny that we cannot find information on marbled polecat breeders in Florida other than him.

He wants me to call him. :nono. When it counted most, he ignored our calls the day of receipt and Sunday. He had the opportunity and responsibility to treat these animals prior to shipping. Regardless of what he says, USDA AWA is very specific regarding the health of animals.

The vet bill will be high but it's worth it. The female I checked on today ate all her food but is still very lethargic. She will be going to vet tomorrow when we go to pick up Lil Bear. Thankfully the non-polecat de-wormer didn't kill him :shakehead.

I will say this; research before ever purchasing an exotic animal from any company: IE: International Fauna in Florida!. Unfortunately there are many "fauna" related companies in Florida but this one ships under a different name.

[craftscritters]

:thumbsup. Lil' Bear is ready to come home!! :jump. He is turning back into a polecat; nice and fiesty! The female we're worried about and definitely will be going in with us this evening to stay at the vet for treatment. Probably not as extensive but will require medication.

Thank you for everyones support. We are hopefull that Milla's condition will improve. The good thing with her is she is eating and drinking. Just not energetic.

[muffinsquirrel]

I will say this; research before ever purchasing an exotic animal from any company: IE: International Fauna in Florida!. Unfortunately there are many "fauna" related companies in Florida but this one ships under a different name.

That is very interesting! I rarely have animals shipped, but last year I did business with International Fauna in Florida. I bought several flying squirrels from them. The whole transaction went great - they were shipped in a very nice carrier, with plenty of hay inside so they wouldn't get knocked around, and lots of apple slices and pecans for them to snack on during flight. There was even a nest box for them inside the carrier. They were nice and healthy and I didn't have any problems at all. I wonder if the company has changed hands since I bought from them?

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience, and I sure hope the Marbled Polecats are in top shape soon.

muffinsquirrel

[craftscritters]

It's possible. There are good and bad shipments. Maybe better at some than others. But, all I know is that the animals received were sick. Not sure why they did what they did. Maybe a fluke, I don't know.

[Sarabi]

Thanks Feeze and FTN for your awesome words, I really needed that today. I am working on this as we speak, I want them to be held accountable, there is no excuse for this whatsoever! There is Little doubt in my mind these animals were shipped very sick.

[craftscritters]

:Love_Icon Lil' Bear is home. The vet's did a great job caring for him. He's still not as mobile as he should but guess that's to be expected. Glad he's home and sleeping. Have to monitor his behavior over the next couple of days.

Milla is now the hospital. Doctor is ordering bloodwork and will begin deworming. She is under weight. She is active but not all there. Also, I want everyone to know that we maintain strict isolation procedures when new animals enter the home; I don't handle them only to transfer from kennel to cage and from cage to carrier for standard exams (with gloves). Which brings me to the next point as to how the hell I would miss this. She is a HEEEE!! :thinking :dono.

Doesn't change how we feel about the little guys, affects the name some. I never picked them up to verify sexes. Why I am not surprised!

How did the vet miss that! How did expert breeder miss that these were both males!! My veterinarian stated that the blood results don't lie. His condition definitely would have taken more than 6 to 12 hours to detioriate to this level. He mentioned that one of the measured blood levels that proved dehydration/hypoglycemia was the fact the normal range measured was 80-120 (don't have the info in front of me). He was around a 6! Also evidence of muscle damage in the blood work (forgot what it was called). Not sure from but probably a fight. Now obvious external injuries though.

I have requested copies of the documentation for both animals be provided as soon as possible. I will be filing in for my records as well as notifying the USDA Inspector. These are the facts as they are:

1. Animals arrived sick in crate (obvious). One was active but showed signs of lethargic behaviour over time.
2. No food/water in crate.
3. One male required 4 day stay in hospital.
4. He said 1 male/female were shipped when in fact 2 males were shipped (should of known better since the fur had the coloration. I was curious as to why a female had so much coloration).
5. Shipper stated that Vet checked them out prior to shipping. Then calls me to tell me his expert breeder of polecats told them they were fine. Not expert enough to tell the sex apart apparently!
6. My other "male" is now in the hospital awaiting treatment and bloodwork. Should have taken in at same time but Lil' Bear was considered an emergency and Milla was mobile and active, but became lethargic over the last couple of days.

Thankfully, another breeder that I've dealt with in the past is going to help me obtain new females (if possible). I pray though that my males will make it. The level of health degredation was quite severe.

Separate issue: what is the deal with ferret breeders? They have treated me like utter :soapbox. We were hoping to purchase from a local ferret breeder so we could offer better quality ferrets. Apparently I don't care enough or experienced enough to raise or breed ferrets, with all the animals we work with!! Why I bring this up here; just pissed in general about the events of this week. First I receive ill animals, of the wrong sex, than I get replies from ferret breeders that treat me like I'm some worthless piece of sh**. Even with all that we do to take care of our animals, all we want to do is offer people something better then what we just went through. It's a lot of heartache to watch animals suffer. I don't know, just very irritated right now with everything. Lil' Bear and Milla will have to go back for follow ups and vaccinations. In the meantime, we keep them in isolation.

witt1189: thank you for your research. If vet records are required, please let me know. I can also provide all corresponding shipping documentation to show timeline between arrival time and vet appointment.

[Tum Tum]

Glad everything is working out.

That man is uch a retard. Poor babies.

[craftscritters]

Lil Bear is eating a little. He's still very slow to move. :dono. Still worried for the little guy. Still hope it's just adjustment time.

Mr. Milla (the supposed female) is still in the hospital. Their making sure he's eating and still awaiting lab results. No signs of worms in him but they did deworm him yesterday as a precaution. Not sure now what is causing him to be underweight. Could just be he was never fed. The lab results will be in tomorrow.

I am worried that I may lose both of these guys. I hope that whatever action is taken by the appropriate agencies in Florida and USDA will address this and some form of action is taken against the company.

[craftscritters]

Well everybody is home now and are doing fine. :jump . We are hopeful that they will continue to improve.

Thank you again to everyone for their assistance and words of support. :thankyou

[Feeze]

Fantastic!:thumbsup I was really worried when I read your last update when you thought you migh lose them both. :( I'm so happy they are together again and improving!

My prayers are going out for a full recovery!:grouphug

[craftscritters]

Yes! :) Everyone is coming around nicely! Lil Bear still isn't eating as much but he is eating which is a good thing. Doesn't come out of his burrow that much but he appears to be doing fine. Mr. Milla is exploring and has improved greatly!!

[FallensMommie]

Awe what a ordeal you all have been through. I hope they continue to show improvements.

Yep....somebody else would be paying the vet bills. He may even have forged the documentation from the vet...just a thought :dono Not many vets willing to tangled in a lawsuit from falsifing documents to state a animal is healthy when they are not!