Over the last few months I have been dealing with a horrible illness which struck only my Danish angora ferrets. I had 16 fuzzies, 2 of which were angoras, Spike & Nemo. Both of them came down with very flu like symptoms, including hind leg weakness. My vet (who specializes in ferrets) ran a blood panel and they indeed had a nasty viral infection. Again, none of my other ferrets contracted it, and they are all free roam in their own room. To make a long story (and several thousand dollars in vet/hospital bills) short, both recovered slowly. Then Spike took a turn for the worse last week. The day I took him home from the hospital, he passed in his sleep. The U of A Diagnostic Lab performed a necropsy, and Spike died from disseminated lymphosarcoma. The cells had taken over most of his vital organs, and were in his blood as well. He was a bit over 1 year old. He appeared normal until he came down with the virus. Both my vet and I were stunned. To those that believe that Danish angoras are healthier than their American counterparts, it is a complete fallacy. I hope my tragedy changes your mind if you are considering an angora. Save a shelter ferret instead. Regards, Dory & the lucky 15, still mourning Spike [Posted in FML issue 4685]