>Expression of anal sacs is not really required in ferrets as it is in >dogs, and should not be performed as a routine practice - even at long >intervals. That sentence doesn't make sense to me (and posting this on the FML without a way to have a communication...on the FML about it, is one of the main reasons I don't like and usually don't bother to read the cross posts.) But I have read this so...I'd appreciate it if other shelter moms or veterinarians would respond.) If a ferrets scent glands do fill and become uncomfortable for the ferret do you....(1) ignore it? (2) surgically remove the anal glands? (3) express them or (4) ???????? I express the glands of several ferrets periodically (another word for routinely), including my own Freddy. At 5 1/2 I have periodically had to do this for Freddy over the past 4 years. When I have not expressed his glands (when he was younger), they became hugely swollen, he became infected (pus filled glands) and had to be put on antibiotics. Now when they become full I express the glands and he no longer becomes infected. If there's another way to deal with this problem, I'd certainly prefer to avoid expressing the glands. But I don't want to have them surgically removed as long as there's a less invasive way to handle the problem. (It's not one of my favorite things to do. :-) Thanks, Sandi Best Little Rabbit, Rodent & Ferret House dba House Rabbit Society a non-profit animal shelter 14325 Lake City Way NE Seattle, WA 98125 (206)365-9105 Open 7 days/week or visit our on-line store at: http://www.rabbitrodentferret.org [Posted in FML issue 3554]