After being on antibiotics for 14 days, the vet says Sandy has a fungal infection; that was his first thought, but he tried antibiotics anyway in case he was wrong. Since throat infections are rare in pets, especially ferrets, this one is a real stumper. Her temp this morning was still 102.4, as it has been for two weeks. Our vet is consulting some info on fungal diseases, especially cryptococcosis, that you all helped me find, plus the lab he uses to determine blood tests before proceeding. Cryptococcosis is the most likely diagnosis for a variety of reasons: not contageous, dark brown fungal matter, increased appetite while losing weight and nerve damage (Sandy often walks on her leg rather than her feet on the front). Since this was mistakenly diagnosed as alergies over a year ago by another vet, the disease has progressed to a dangerous level. Since most fungal medications, such as Sporonox, have the side effect of damaging kidneys/livers over prolonged use and recovery from a severe fungal infection like cryptococcosis can take over a year (less than six months if caught early - not us), we may not choose to have her go through a few months of strong meds before she sees great improvement and almost certain lasting damage to some vital organs. It is very difficult to write that, especially since we just lost Pirate last week and Sandy is not even three yet, but I can't stand to see her suffer much more; suffering is exactly what she is doing, since she just lays there, not even lifting her head to greet her friends and pooping everywhere (she never in her life went anywhere but the litter corners, so she's really not feeling well). Treatment for the moment, thanks to a FML'er's knowledgeable advice, is to use Pred to reduce coughing; the Pred has really kept the stress sounds out of her breathing, so I say a big thanks to whichever FML'er wrote me about that (so many emails, just took notes and not names). I will update when ther is more to say. Please pray for our Sandy. From: Lori and the Brats P.S.: Although she is eating like three ferrets and has normal (if a lot) poops, she is only at 1 lb. 2 oz., and looking very skinny. [Posted in FML issue 4647]