To Amy Cada regarding mast cell tumors: Amy, I guess I'm one of those vets who always recommends removing tumors. I've never seen a malignant cutaneous mast cell tumor, but I also don't recommend leaving them around long enough to develop one. The one malignant mast cell tumor that I have seen did not involve the skin, but it did lay waste to the unfortunate ferret who was affected. What would most likely happen with a mast cel tumor that was not removed - it would probably get larger and larger, and being as some of them are itchy, the ferret may scratch at it and get it infected. If it was my ferret - I'd take it off. 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 1147]