I wrote in Nov, 2000:
>I local club members' ferret was possibly diagnosed with a brain tumor.
 
Dr. Williams graciously gave input on Nov. 13, 2000:
 
>Before going down the road with brain tumors, which are very uncommon, I
>generally would ask how that particular diagnosis was arrived at.
 
Well, it seems the vet threw out a bunch of words (brain tumor, insulinoma,
etc.) to the ferret owner, and she fixated on brain tumor, thus leaving me
a message on my answering machine to research info.  With a follow up call
and Dr. William's input in hand, I discussed at length the 4 yo ferts'
symptoms with the owner; lethargy, wobbling, lack of appetite.
 
I told the owners to keep me updated, but didn't.  So, I contacted the
owners yesterday.  Fert had an inner ear infection.
 
My 2001 resolution: Find out more details on the particular ferret's
illness/symptoms before posting to the FML.; i.e., call the owner back
instead of just listening to the machine message.
 
Sorry for the delayed follow-up.
 
Shari
[Posted in FML issue 3287]