In late October, we noticed that our six year old female, Valentine had a swollen vulva, a sign of adrenal disease. It was about the size of an M&M! We took her to the South Orange Animal Clinic in Orlando. First, a bit of a digression. Our Number One ferret vet is Dr Jeff Shaffer, to whom we have taken our ferrets in the past. However, Dr Jeff is in Oviedo, about 40 miles from us. A few years ago, I jokingly asked him why he couldn't move a bit closer to the south Orlando area. He told us about the South Orange clinic. The two main vets there were classmates and personal friends of his, and he assured us that they would contact him if they felt it was necessary. They have, indeed, done so on more than on occasion when we have gone to them with our other ferrets. A couple of times they have taken a look at them and said, "Just a minute. I'm going to call Dr Jeff." This gives us a very high comfort level when dealing with them. Even before we took Valentine to them this time, they contacted Dr Jeff about her condition, and he recommended that we try Lupron. Valentine was given a shot in late October and another one in late November, with a warning to keep an eye on her condition. Her vulva has shrunken dramatically since the shots. The three vets were together over the Thanksgiving holiday and Valentine was a topic of conversation. Don't you love it when the people treating your critters actually CARE about them? Their collective opinion is to watch her, and if there is any change she may need another shot in three to six months. The cost of each shot was $55.00. Considerably less than an operation and probably less than a constant dosing of Lysodren. Valentine has shown absolutely no adverse reaction and doing very well. She did hook her teeth on the door of the pet carrier and shook it the second time she was taken to the clinic. She must have known what was coming. Apparently, she does not like being poked with a needle. If you have a ferret showing signs of adrenal problems, keep Lupron in mind as an option for treatment. On a personal note, I want to wish all the ferret folks on the FML a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Special wishes go out to the shelter operators, who watch over the sick and homeless. And last, but CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, to BIG who works every day of the year to bring us this great resource. Last year, I posted that he should at least take Christmas Day off. He, of course, declined and on Christmas Day, and every other holiday, the FML appeared in all our In boxes. Thanks, BIG. We love you! Charles, Aggie, Valentine and Fifi. Missing Cujo, Bandit and Snowball [Posted in FML issue 4360]