Blizzard, our dark eyed white was operated on last year for adrenal tumours (they were malignant). Since that time he has recoverd to his old hale and hearty (and wild) self. This spring, as he and the rest of the tangle started their annual weight loss...his just kept on going...to the point where we had to take him in again (fearing the worst of course). He started to vomit and kept it up for several days on an in frequent but regular basis. We rehydrated...he ate and threw up. No scratching at this mouth...just tired. We took him in to the vets (she is ferret rated!) Xrays done...OK. Blood panel (standard ferret panel) has brought us nothing although the white cell count is a little on the high side of acceptibility. His activity was only about 15 minutes and then he would be back in the sack. When up he is attentive, playing and chortling... just skinny! (2.8 pounds is his usual weight and hes down to 2.0). We were down to exploratory surg and I did not want to do that unless it was a last ditch effort...AND then he kinda rebounded...more activity, no weight gain but stable where he is... So weve been feeding him duck soup and generally fawning over him every 2-4 hours around the clock, have him on a round of antibiotics (amoxy) and he seems to have perked up (the caloric intact is helping). As I said, his weight is stable. He drinks on his own and upon further observation...and here's the kicker...it became apparent that he is hungry and trying to eat...he takes solid food (crunchies and the like) and picks it up and moves it to a eating place...promptly drops it and returns for more. Raisin treats can only be eaten if cut into small pieces and then he chews like a dog with peanut butter in its mouth...VERY ANIMATED! This is frustrating to say the least...it appears he wants food (which is great news) but is having difficulty chewing and swallowing hard food...no pain evident, his mouth and teeth look OK (by vet check), his throat glands appear normal...HELP!!! Oh, he's urinating and poopin OK> One note of interest...he is grinding his teeth a bit and "smotching" even when not eating (or trying to). The poor little guy actively takes all soft food (ferretvite, ferretone, duck soup, ensure) offered by syringe but just can't seem to take it (well he does that) and CHEW IT from the food bowl. Any ideas out there??? P and the tangle of 11 [Posted in FML issue 3016]