I just wanted to say to Leslie that I am very sorry to hear that Whitey had DIM and died. My little ferret Lorelei came down with this around Halloween of 2003 and we fought with it until February or March of this year and finally sent her to the bridge. It was devastating to deal with. I did receive some wonderful information Dr. Ramsell and Sukie along the way and we donated Lorelei's body for postmortem studies and pathology to help our vet and others learn more about this. Lorelei had a cage mate (Dee-Dee) who is still alive and well and never showed symptoms. Dr. Finkler did not think this seemed to be a contagious illness, but it is always best to follow your own vet's advice. I agree with listening to your heart and your ferret. Lorelei seemed to make small steps forward with some medications, and would play and eat but then she would backslide. Eventually she did not play and could not get to her litter box or food at all and we decided it was time to stop fighting. For anyone who has a ferret who might possibly have this, if you do a google search for DIM ferret illness you can find links with the forms and vets manes who are already familiar with this illness. Again, I am so sorry about Whitey and to Sheila, good luck with your little ferret. [Posted in FML issue 4721]