Hi, everyone, Pertwee, our nutty, lovable, exuberant, deaf albino ferret began showing signs of adrenal disease again just two weeks after surgery to remove his left adrenal gland. We were very concerned because, if you remember my post, that tumor proved to be malignant. Well, today, five weeks after the original surgery, Pertwee's right adrenal gland was removed. The mass was much larger than the one removed with his left adrenal gland just five weeks ago, and at that time the right looked perfectly normal. The good news is that Pertwee came through this surgery just fine, is awake, and is eating already. We'll take him home tonight, and then back to the vet for observation in the morning. He'll be on medication for the rest of his life, but that's a small price to pay to keep him alive and well. The other day I received a note begging for money for another ferret's adrenal surgery. What bothered me most is that the person begging me for money or fundraising ideas goes to an excellent vet in this area who will set up a payment program in situations like this. I guess she just didn't want to spend her own money for *her* pet. This kind of thing, and the regular "I can't afford to take care of my ferret" posts here on FML make me quite angry. Between all the tests Pertwee went through to find out why he lost so much weight before the other adrenal symptoms became obvious, his first surgery, follow-up vet visits, and now his second surgery, keeping him alive and well has cost me about $1,700. This is immediately following Kerr Avon's adrenal surgery in February. My ferret medical costs this year have been over $2,200. The thing is: I always knew this could happen, and I was prepared for it. I am decidedly middle class, not rich by any means, but I took steps to make sure I could take care of the ferrets who depend on me for their very lives. I even got an extra credit card just for their expenses in case my preparations just weren't enough. Being able to give required medical care is part of being a responsible ferret owner. There is no way to evade that responsibility: if you own ferrets, it's yours. The woman who wrote me begging to "save" her ferret said she is "a good ferret mommy", yet she can't pay for $500 worth of medical care. To me, that is not a "good ferret mommy". That is an irresponsible pet owner. Am I being harsh? You bet! Reality is often harsh. Please, before you add any ferrets to your business, or if you are a potential new owner reading the list, make sure you are prepared to take on the financial responsibility for your pets. For me and for Keith, Pertwee is a beloved member of our household. He keeps us sane, and I cannot put a price on what that's worth. Keith and I are incredibly grateful that he is alive and is going to be well. Regards, Caity and the ecstatic eight [Posted in FML issue 3070]