I would like to add a few things about swollen butts (rectal prolapse).  It
is true that anything that causes a ferret to strain to defecate
(constipation,obstruction) can cause this.  There are a few diseases that we
see in ferrets that can commonly cause this that are treatable and usually
don't cause this in dogs and cats.
1)Proliferative bowel disease --caused by a bacteria that results in colitis.
 This is very treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed.
2)GI parasites-- The most common that I see that can cause rectal prolapse
are giardia and coccidia.  These can be diagnosed by microscopic exam of the
stool and are very treatable.
3)Anal gland removal--this only results when the surgery is done too
tramatically and nerves that control the anal sphincter are damaged.
This is not easily treatable.
Dr Weiss [log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 1125]