**The advice dispensed by myself in reference to FML postings is not meant
to supplant the advice of veterinarians who are in charge of the patient.
If the patient is not currently under the care of a veterinarian, the client
is recommended to take their ferret to one.**
 
>From:    Kent Goodwin <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Help needed.  Missing patch of fur.
>I have a 19 month female ferret named Gidget.  The other day when I was
>bathing her I noticed a small patch of fur missing on her back just behind
>her shoulder blades.  The area is no larger than a dime and the skin does
>not appear irritated in any way.
 
Could be either one.  Since adrenal disease is not an acutely life
threatening disease, just monitor it.  If the fur regrows, it is probably
rub off.  If other bald spots appear, consider adrenal disease possible.
 
>From:    [log in to unmask]
>Subject: sick ferret
>I have a 5yr old female ferret that has beenthrough a series of test and
>surgery to remove a pc of rubber from her stomach that she had chewed off
>her toy.
 
Any evidence of spinal cord trauma??
 
>From:    Lisa Sims <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Laws in New Hampshire
>I bring my ferrets everywhere with me.  Both have a harness and leash which
>I use when outdoors.  I also carry them in a backpack which they usually
>curl up in
 
As far as I know leashes are okay but Dick Bossart would know better.
 
Mike Dutton, DVM, DABVP
Weare Animal Hospital
Weare, NH, USA
[Posted in FML issue 1956]