FAT MILO
Given your description of Milo's "obesity," I would have him checked out for
an enlarged spleen.  Chances are he has one.  Normally an enlarged spleen is
no problem, as long as its borders are smooth and round and as long as the
ferret is healthy and active as normal.  If your vet finds that the borders
are irregular, the spleen should be removed.  If Milo is unhealthy and no
other problems can be found, the spleen should be removed.  Finally, if the
spleen is so enlarged that it might rupture (according to your vet's
opinion), the spleen should probably be removed.  If his spleen is removed,
it should be biopsied to be sure that it wasn't cancerous.
 
Most ferrets do very well with having their spleen removed.  My Paleface (5
yrs old at the time) had his spleen out, and he's fine (except for his
unrelated stomach problems).
 
Let me know if I help in any other way!
Gina, Paleface, Gunnar, and Daniel
Formerly <[log in to unmask]>               Now <[log in to unmask]>
[Posted in FML issue 1682]