After much research, I am starting to lean a little more towards adrenal
disease as the main cause of problems for Jako.  I appreciate the various
comments and suggestions.  We got a B-12 shot at the vet (a suggestion I
found here) and his appetite has increased a little bit.  We went through
the various options available to assess his condition, mind you this is
even before we can start treatment.  Possible Barium & X-ray to test for
obstruction, white blood cell count to test for cancer and some blood
test for adrenal disease.  Each test is about $150 - 180, two require the
drawing 1 cc of blood (which can only be done under general anesthesia,
more $ and must be sent out of state for evaluation) and finally we'd
have to know what we want to do with that knowledge.  What kinds of
treatment, how far to go, how much to spend?  I hate sounding like a
spend thrift, but I've largely gotten my family out of debt (some from
vet bills) and am loathe to go right back in.  I don't mind a little,
but I've spent $200 just on the initial exam and follow-up and I know
as much as I did before.  Oh, and the adrenal surgery in TX, it appears
that the best cost would be at Texas A&M for about $1,000-$1,500, with
questionable success!  Do I sound frustrated yet?  I've gotten some
referrals for doctors in the general area that I will be researching,
but if there are any Listers here that can recommend a good doctor near
Dallas, TX I'm all ears.
 
How about some brighter stuff?!  I do have two very healthy fuzzies.  One
is presumably from the same litter (or at least breeder) as Jako.  Bebe
is a little nippy, especially in that little area where your arm bends.
Her coat is so thick and soft, she makes a for a great face rub!  She
loves riding in baskets and boxes that are scooted at high speeds across
the floor.  Riley on the other hand is a gushy 6-7 yr old we adopted
early on.  She was a cage mate to Ricki, whom we lost about eight months
ago.  Riley is so fussy if she doesn't get to play!!  When we made the
move from our apartment to our house, our lease was up before the house
was finished, so we had to camp out at my grandmothers for about three
weeks.  We all had to fit in one little room, ferret cage included.
Riley got so distressed she would wake us up at midnight turning her
litter and food over.  Because of this, I have learned to anchor things
down better.  She used to be the fattest little thing, but with being on
ferret food and plenty of exercise, she has come down to a little safer
weight.  She likes to plop down on my foot when she wants to be held and
she is the most relaxed when you carry her.  When you need Ferrapy, she
is the one to administer it.
 
James, Melissa & Kassidy
 
Loving:  Bebe, Jako, Riley
Missing: Wheezer, Pym, Ricki
[Posted in FML issue 4128]