Andi, I'm about as familiar with human anatomy these days as you probably are with ferret anatomy, but it should all be about the same, just more stretched out. Also, most of the liver is under the ribs: I don't know if it is in humans. There is the best picture you'll probably find in Fox's `Biology and Diseases of the Ferret', right in front. According to a couple of veterinary oncology references, methotrexate *is* used as a chemotherapeutic agent in both human and veterinary medicine. It inhibits an enzyme which is a key component of some of the biochemical reactions that allow cells to be produced. It has been used to treat lymphoma and osteogenic sarcoma in both dogs and people. It's use is limited by its toxic effects on the gastrointestinal system. The animal must have well-functioning kidneys for use. I don't know if it's been tried in ferrets, but it's not mentioned in Dr. Susan Brown's lymphoma treatment protocol in her book. If you want more technicalities, please feel free to write me personally -- I'll put everyone to sleep if I quote from the textbook! Laura Laura L'Heureux Kupkee U. of Illinois Vet Med Class of `96 [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1155]