Michael and Missy,
I'm sorry to hear that Missy has had to be treated on 2 occasions for
absesses next to the anus.  Most times when a ferret repeatedly has
infections in the same location it is caused by some underlying problem
(Foriegn body, immunosuppression,etc.).  In this case it sounds like your
absolutly right.  In a young ferret with repeated infections on either side
of the anus it is most likely caused by anal gland tissue left behind .  The
cells that line the anal gland produce the material that has the strong
pungent odor.  If any of these cells are left behind it usually causes these
chronic infections.
 
The cure for this is surgery to remove the tissue left behind (no pun
intended!).  Without surgery to remove this tissue she will continue to
develop absesses.  These chronic absesses could result in weight loss and
could result in a more serious infection if the bacteria gain access to her
blood stream.
 
Good Luck,
 
Charlie Weiss, DVM
301-299-4142
[Posted in FML issue 1411]