Well, all of Percy's bloodwork (Platelet count, glucose, and Packed Cell Volume) all came back normal, so it looks like it's an adrenal tumor. My vet here has been working closely with Dr. Kawasaki on this case, so I feel pretty confident about the diagnosis, and it should be a pretty cut and dry surgery. (Although it is major surgery, they make an incision in the abdomen and the adrenal glands are located behind all the major organs on the back, above the kidneys.) Back when this all started I was planning on taking her down to Dr. Kawasaki for the surgery, but now I'm torn. When my Dr. suggested that I could do that, Dr. K told him "Oh, you can do that!", thinking that my Dr. was nervous about it instead of it being my suggestion. Also, I'm sort of worried about the stress of a car trip right after surgery, and the inherent risk involved with any road trip. There's also a minor consideration about money. (VERY insignificant compared to Percy's well being) There's the cost of gas, probably at least 1 night in a hotel, as well as all the other stuff like food and necessities. I am a starving student, after all. (I really don't WANT to sell my stereo system... :-( ) What do all of you think? Is it worth it to take Percy down to Dr. K for the surgery, or is it a pretty simple operation and not worth all the stress involved with travelling? Some other pertinent information: My Dr. has only performed *ONE* similar surgery. But I consider him to be an excellent Dr., he's very interested in ferrets (they are his primary focus when it comes to learning right now), and he's done a lot of research for Percy and talked extensively with Dr. K. He also has done a lot of studying about anesthetising ferrets, he was extremely careful when he just mildly sedated Percy for the blood work. (for those who don't know, to do blood work on a ferret it's easiest to use the veins in the neck since their veins are so small. So, you have to anesthetise the ferret since this would be pretty painful, and they would more than likely not hold still for it.) I haven't looked at a map yet, but I imagine Dr. K is about a 3 to 5 hour drive from here. Through Baltimore and D.C., so it's not exactly a safe trip. Thanks! - Nancy Nancy Hartman CIS graduate student [log in to unmask] U. of Delaware President and founder, Delaware Valley Ferret Club Owner of Percy & Bree [Posted in FML issue 0251]