Since I recieved so many expressions of concern about Boomerang, the neglected ferret, I wanted to post an update on his condition. Unfortunately the prognosis is not good. He has gotten more alert with close supportive care, including amoxocillian, rehydration with electorlytes, and force feeding of Nutrical. However, he still has to have his front paws imobilized (taped up) to keep him from irritating his inflamed tonscils and the exposed portion of his palete. He is in pain, although it is orders of magnitude less than with an active infection in his throat. A serious respritory infection remains and he has continued to lose weight, although at a slower rate. His stools are still loose, runny and black (Vet thinks it is an indication of blood in the stools, although he has done no analysis). The prognosis is still poor and he will have to be euthanized unless his condition inproves. I tell him about all the concern and sympathy he has recieved in E-mail messages and the FML. If only his owner had expressed 1/100th the concern of his new friends, he would never have gotten into this situation. To reassure everyone, I interviened and took possession of both of the ferrets. The albino male is looking much better having a warm, dry and clean place to sleep along a diet of ferret food, ferritone and TLC. I am up in OR until next Thursday (the 23rd) at which time I will be taking both fellows home with me. Boomerang, unfortunately must be strong enough by then for me to attempt to transport him any distance. [Posted in FML issue 1109]