Poor Sage and you too for having to go through the distressful and unneeded
procedures.  PLEASE if other owners are experiencing the same form there
vets be aware that IF your female ferret is not altered !.  she will have
more aroma (slightly) than an early neutered sprite and 2.  MOST IMPORTANT
if she is old enough to be in heat the vulva will be enlarged or puffed up
on her hind end.
 
I am sure the intention was not to put her through an unnecessary surgery on
the part of the vet, they are human too, but I wonder if this vet has enough
knowledge of ferrets in the first place.  Many vets do not automatically get
this specialized training in school.
[Posted in FML issue 1473]