To Anon: The practice of dragging the hind end over objects instead of using the hindlegs in and of itself is not alarming, as several of mine do that. I suppose it just have to do with laziness on the part of the ferret. However. dragging the anus across the floor or carpet would indicate continuing irritation from the prolapsed rectum. Animals that are weak in the hindquarters will not use their hindlegs at all when crossing a level open space, such as the middle of the room. Finally, it is not uncommon for ferrets when they wake up to take several steps without using the hindlegs - this appears to be a form of stretching for that long back of theirs. If it is just an every once-in-a-while thing, I wouldn't get too concerned. Concerning vet schools: most states have their own schools or an agreement with another state's vet school to which all successful applicants can go. Only a few schools, including Tuskegee, and possibly Tufts, along with some schools out of the US accept students from anywhere. Since you are Anon, I am assuming you are in California (just an assumption, as most of the anons appear to be from there.) UC at Davis has a fine vet school, and a good exotics department. However, you will find very little focus on ferrets at any vet schools, and will probably have to develop your own mini-curriculum. Chekc with Laura L'Heureux, who is an active FML participant and a junior veterinary student to see how she balances her normal curriculum and her interest in ferrets..... Bruce Williams, DVM Department of Veterinary Pathology [log in to unmask] Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (202) 782-2600/2602 Washington, D.C. 20306-6000 [Posted in FML issue 0994]