The "flat on his belly, legs stretched out behind him" is common in
ferrets.  I call it "the ain't doing right pose."  Others refer to it as
the "sick ferret syndrome."  Basically any illness can cause it, not
specifically a neuro problem, or a disk injury.  The cystic prostate is
secondary to adrenal gland disease.  The p.u. was probably done when he
first started having urination problems from the prostste problem (ie
adrenal gland surgery should have been done not a p.u.).  Did you
ultrasound his adrenal glands and liver?  Possibly the right adrenal gland
cancer has spread to his liver and is causing the bilirubin crystals.  I
would suggest a blood profile and adrenal gland surgery.  If surgery is
not an option then Lupron can be used to control the adrenal gland disease,
and Propecia can be used to control the prostate.  Plus an antibiotic for
the bladder (and possible prostate infection) such as Clavamox and/or
Baytril.
 
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 3426]