Ferrets don't get colds (established fact; check past vet pathology posts on rhinoviruses). They do get some things that can be mistaken for colds, including but not limited to bacterial sinus infections and influenza. There is a lot on respiratory problems in the archives. Allergies sometimes also occur in ferrets. Certainly, there is also a boatload of information on ferrets who suffer respiratory problems due to living with tobacco or marijuana smoke, or both. Also always remember that is not unusual for people to mistake things that cause ascites for lung disease because of how ascites can affect the lungs. It is always important to find the cause of ascites and treat it. Heart disease is the most common cause of ascites, but is not the only possible cause. Yes, ferrets mourn, so a lot of extra loving attention is called for. A lot, please. Some things take time, too. Make sure he keeps eating. Patiently finger feed him meat purees while singing to him or talking softly. Two years ago this last summer we lost Chiclet to DIM. She died here at home, with a mercy shot during an emergency vet housecall after her fever damaged her brain. Last night I asked Hilbert who also came to us at the same time as Chiclet when they were kits if he remembered Chiclet. It was obvious that he immediately keyed on her name. He looked a bit upset, but not anxiously so, and then he let out a big sigh and laid his head on my shoulder. They mourn and they remember. -- Sukie (not a vet) Ferret Health List co-moderator http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth FHL Archives fan http://ferrethealth.org/archive/ replacing http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org International Ferret Congress advisor http://www.ferretcongress.org [Posted in FML issue 5142]