My new ferret, Rosie, has an abcess (sp?  Can't find it in the dictionary)
in her anal sac.  Dr. Dan Hudson was explaining to me that what most people
call anal glands are actually anal sacs, which are lined with many glands.
Then he told me this story:
 
A young vet was examining a dog who had been dragging her hind end on the
floor.  After the initial examination, the vet told the owner, "I think the
problem is with her anal sacs." The owner became angry, and confronted the
vet: "My dog hasn't had *any* kind of sex, never mind ANAL sex!!!" :D
 
Perhaps this is why most people refer to them as anal *glands*!
 
And speaking of butt-dragging, concerning Jennifer's Jasmine wiping
herself after using the litter box:
Mine do this as well - they always have.  Louise has it down to a science -
it almost looks like she's doing the twist as she walks away from the box!
Some people I know put a towel down under the pan, but that just encourages
mine to tunnel under and knock over the pan.  I just let it go and then
shampoo the carpet.
 
Dooks to all!
 
Christine (Sure, doc - YOU try putting a warm compress on a wiggly
little ferret's butt!)
Rosie (This human is trying to kill me with a washcloth!!!)
Louise (Come on baby, let's do the twist . . . just take your little
butt, and go like this.)
[Posted in FML issue 1627]