To Anon:
 
        The practice of dragging the hind end over objects instead of  using the
hindlegs in and of itself is not alarming, as several of mine do that.  I
suppose it just have to do with laziness on the part of the ferret.  However.
dragging the anus across the floor or carpet would indicate continuing
irritation from the prolapsed rectum.  Animals that are weak in the hindquarters
will not use their hindlegs at all when crossing a level open space, such as the
middle of the room.  Finally, it is not uncommon for ferrets when they wake up
to take several steps without using the hindlegs - this appears to be a form of
stretching for that long back of theirs.  If it is just an every once-in-a-while
thing, I wouldn't get too concerned.
 
        Concerning vet schools:  most states have their own schools or an
agreement with another state's vet school to which all successful applicants can
 go.  Only a few schools, including Tuskegee, and possibly Tufts, along with
some schools out of the US accept students from anywhere.  Since you are Anon, I
am assuming you are in California (just an assumption, as most of the anons
appear to be from there.)  UC at Davis has a fine vet school, and a good exotics
department.  However, you will find very little focus on ferrets at any vet
schools, and will probably have to develop your own mini-curriculum.  Chekc with
Laura L'Heureux, who is an active FML participant and a junior veterinary
student to see how she balances her normal curriculum and her interest in
ferrets.....
 
       Bruce Williams, DVM                 Department of Veterinary Pathology
       [log in to unmask]         Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
       (202) 782-2600/2602                 Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
[Posted in FML issue 0994]