My veterinarian really pushes *complete* blood tests, and other tests like urinalysis for ferrets. Of course this adds to the vet bill. Or does it? My 6 year old Buddy has cardiomyopathy, and only one struggling kidney. He has been doing well with medication. Last week I noticed he was shivering. Nothing else seemed *off*, just the shivering, even when asleep. It wasn't quite time to re-do the blood work, etc. but I decided to have his glucose level checked. Dr. recommended a complete test, and urinalysis that I agreed to. Next day Dr. calls to tell me Buddy has a nasty urinary tract infection. Buddy was put on Baytril, and in the meantime a culture is being done to determine this is the best antibiotic. Had this not been caught until Buddy showed more symptoms, I would most likely have a very sick ferret, and the vet bill would be even higher. Ardith who is very grateful to have a wonderful ferret knowledgeable vet [Posted in FML issue 4646]