To Edward, Kili, and Fili: Not all ferrets fatten up this time of year. But the thin hair and the granular feces are somewhat concerning. Of course, thin hair may be an early sign of adrenal disease, one of the two most common diseases in the ferret. The granular feces suggests, but is not diagnostic of intestinal malabsorption. Tissues with high levels of undigested material take on a birdseed quality. As long as her appetite and activity is good, we are probably not dealing with an emergency, but I think a trip to the vet and a thorough checkup is probably worthwhile in this instance. With more information, we are more likely to find a problem(if there is one there). 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 1030]