To Rochelle Newman:
 
I have a theory about these calluses - I have 4 ferrets with the same
problem.
 
They've had chronic problems since contracting ECE (yes, I know, if you're
a longtime FMLer, you know about these guys - I complain about their health
all the time).  They've had periodic bouts of diarrhea since ECE, and their
general health seems to have been compromised since then as well.
 
Their litter pan is totally replaced every day rather than just scooping,
because it gets so dirty so fast - I also notice these heavy
callus/wart-like growths to be extremely prominent on the back feet, and
totally lacking on the front.  When they use the litter pan, these guys
support themselves with their front feet up on the rim of the pan, back
feet in the litter.
 
I'm wondering if a ferret with a compromised immune system, might be more
susceptible to bacteria in the litter - or if litter pans aren't changed
frequently enough allowing bacteria and other scuzzies to build up could
also be the reason for these growths.
 
(Rochelle, this is not a reflection on you - you state these guys have
been moved around alot and background is sketchy, so you don't really know
how unsanitary it was where they came from)
 
I use the same type of litter with all my ferrets and none of the others
has this problem.  Again, this is just a theory but I would be interested
in thoughts from others with a more scientific/medical background who might
care to comment.
 
Debbie Riccio
WNYFLFA
Rochester, NY
[Posted in FML issue 1543]