To: Dale Miller I am a little concerned about a post directed to you from Debbie Riccio regarding your ferret's enlarged spleen. Ferrets do commonly have enlarged spleens. Being part of the lymph system, an enlarged spleen is a sign that something is wrong. Plenty of times, that "something wrong" can be a mere cold or virus - but not always. I am very concerned by Debbie's apparent casual attitude about enlarged spleens. Most likely - and certainly HOPEFULLY, the enlarged spleen WILL be gone in a month or so and it was just a reaction to a virus or cold. BUT, it is not up to Debbie, myself - or you to make that determination. Perhaps it is not necessary to get excited about an enlarged spleen - but it is certainly something to be concerned about - concerned enough to have a qualified veterinarian make a determination to "let it go and watch". Let me cite a quick example: Fred is a 4 year old Albino male who came into our shelter a couple of months ago. Since he arrived, Fred started losing massive amounts of hair and was diagnosed as adrenal tumor. However, Fred has been eating, drinking and playing ok - in fact, more than okay! It was decided to have Fred's adrenal tumor removed while he was in such good condition - and when he was opened up for tumor removal, the vet discovered small pieces of his spleen had migrated around his abdomen - and his slightly enlarged spleen has an area that is susceptible to rupture. However, because of the massive amount of blood contained in the organ - and the nature of the adrenal surgery, the spleen removal will be done as soon as he has "recuperated". My point is - do NOT take an enlarged spleen too casually - and don't make the determination to "wait and see" based on food, water and playtime - Check in with your vet and let him decide. Jeanne Stadtmiller Ferrets and Friends of Upstate New York [Posted in FML issue 1153]