To Lisa Winsauer - I'm glad to hear that you had Akira done. One concern that I have about lymph node biopsies during exploratories - the internal lymph nodes are very tricky to evaluate if you do not see a lot of them. In possible cases of lymphosarcoma (and I do not buy into the current thought that elevated lymphocyte counts precede lymphosarcoma - this has NEVER been proven), the lymph nodes from the back legs are a much better site to biopsy. There are a lot of incorrectly diagnosed lymphomas from the abdomen due to the reactive changes seen in these nodes from Helicobacter infection. What I am saying is - if there is any question of lymphosarcoma in Akira, make sure you get a second opinion from a pathologist who has experience with ferret tissues. To Robert Rhode concerning curdled feces - What you describe suggests some type of gastrointestinal problem, the exact nature of which cannot precisely be determined based on feces alone. The lack of feces suggests a possible blockage, or perhaps just decreased intake of food. While discoloration of the occasional stool is not uncommon in ferrets, persistent looseness and discoloration is. I suggest you see your vet and at least have him check for the presence of a blockage. A short trial of antibiotics would probably not be uncalled for in this instance. Young ferrets often have gastronomic misadventures - the most logical conclusion based on the available evidence inthat your pet has gotten into something that has upset his GI tract. To Angi concerning Brandy's coughing - Tis true, some ferrets can have allergies and even asthma, but that's fairly rare. And dust mice can make even the most normal animal sneeze. A persistent respiratory problem however, is concerning. Smouldering pneumonias and heart problems can cause chronic coughs. Your vet may be right, but there is certainly nothing "normal" about this chronic hacking. Have any types of therapy been attempted??? Bruce Williams [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 0716]