I read the post by Lisette on fibrosarcoma recently, and thought I would share the experiences I have had, specifically with my 4 yr. old (male, albino) ferret, Bailey. He was diagnosed close to two yrs. ago with fibrosarcoma. We had adopted him from a ferret shelter, and about a month later, I noticed a small tumor on his head that was raised, rounded and solid. My vet was pretty sure it was a fibrosarcoma and did surgery to remove this tumor. She had to go down to the muscule tissue to remove it all, but was fairly sure she got it all. I had come across an old United Ferret Organization (UFO) newsletter issue prior to the surgery, and read an article that Dr. Susan Brown of Midwest Clinic (probably the vet Lisette was thinking of in her post) had written about this "super nutrient and antioxidant" called Pycnogenol. It's derived from the French Pine Bark tree, and has been used by Native American Indian tribes here in North America, and among Europeans for a very long time. I then learned that the FDA actually approves of this nutrient/antioxidant (even though it's not a drug) because it has no side effects, and you can't overdose on it. In humans, it is excellent for vein health and circulation, plus it has 40 natural antioxidants for boosting the immune system. I started Bailey on a full capsule - 30 mg. I twist open the clear capsule, and pour the tan colored powder in a spoon. I add a little Linatone and Ferretvite to mix the Pycnogenol. The Pycnogenol only has a very faint smell, but hardly noticeable. Bailey takes this paste mixture enthusiastically. I noticed that the surgical site healed quickly and Bailey's fur grew back quickly too. Bailey's energy increased, and all his fur got thicker and healthy looking. The tumor was sent to the U of I lab, and was confirmed to be a fibrosarcoma. Prognosis of course, is not very good. It was stated, as my vet told me, to expect other tumors to evolve. Within two weeks, a tumor on Bailey's jaw developed (marble size and solid), and one at the end of the back (smaller and softer to the touch). I then decided to increase the daily dose of Pycnogenol to 30 mg. ( a full capsule). Approx. 3 wks. later, and to my surprise and relief, these two new tumors were no longer there! I had my husband confirm that he no longer felt these tumors on Bailey, and had my vet recheck Bailey too. I felt this might be a short term "miracle", but at least for now, the tumors were gone. I kept Bailey on this 30 mg. Pycnogenol each day for approx. 6 mos. He never had any negative reactions or side effects. The tumors had still not returned. I then cut back to 30 mg. every other day, and then eventually, to every 2-3 days. It has been a year and a half, and Bailey is healthy, and the fibrosarcomas are still in "remission". I had searched the Internet for information on Pycnogenol, and found a few informative sites. They documented similar positive results in other animals. Pycnogenol can be found at the health food stores or mail ordered from various organic co-op groups. I use the Schiff brand Pycnogenol, 30 mg. - 60 count. It's about $8, but prices vary, especially at the health food stores. To me, it has been a small price to pay for the good health of Bailey, and not having him go through multiple surgeries. I began using Pycnogenol on my adrenal ferrets, and they eventually went into a partial or full remission. The article Dr. Brown wrote in the U.F.O. newsletter, was actually recommending the Pycnogenol therapy for adrenal disease. It was my decision to try it with the fibrosarcoma. I am now trying Pycnogenol with a 5 yr. old male ferret who recently began showing signs of insulinoma. So far, so good. It has been over a month now, and he hasn't had any more seizures. I really believe in Pycnogenol, and take it myself, but as far as ferrets go, I think each ferret will respond to it differently. I noticed my older adrenal ferret took longer to respond, but she did grow back some of her fur, and the vulva swelling was relieved. My younger female ferret that developed adrenal, never lost any fur and her vulva swelling also was relieved. In all these cases, I give 30 mg. daily of the Pycnogenol. I noticed their appetites and energy levels are maintained, no matter what age they are. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have other questions on my experience with this holistic therapy that I've discovered. Phyllis B. Lake Villa, IL. [Posted in FML issue 3025]