To Scott Maitland: The type of growth that you describe sounds like a mast cell tumor, a common benign skin tumor of the ferret. Affected ferrets may develop several of them over the course of a lifetime. There are some other benign growths that may look similar grossly, so microscopic evaluation is always the best solution. Suggest that your vet send the sample by one of the commercial services - that way it is always traceable. Bruce Williams, DVM Department of Veterinary Pathology [log in to unmask] Armed Forces Institute of Pathology OR [log in to unmask] Washington, D.C. 20306-6000 (202) 782-2600/2602 [Posted in FML issue 1153]