Someone, chris and co. I think, said they had been told that surgery in a ferret over 3 years old was unnessesary, and that such a ferret would live 2 years and die in their sleep. Well, Emma is almost 4, and she took 4 days to go from a normal-looking ferret to a blimp with a softball-sized tumor. She had it pressing on all her vital organs, it killed her kidney, damaged her nervous system, squooshed her lungs and the vet said it was a miracle her digestive system worked at all. All the while, she ate a little less, had just as much energy and seemed fine to the beholder's eye. I cannot advise you strongly enough to go for the surgery NOW!!! If your vet feels that she is a good candidate to survive it. Our little buddies don't do alot of whining and complaining. They have a hard time telling us they are sick because of their sweet, happy-go-lucky natures and their natural energy levels. It isnt until its nearly too late that we find out they are ill. Emma couldnt tell me how bad she felt, how much she suffered. Its going to take me a long time to stop feeling guilty that I didnt take her in sooner. She survived the surgery, and is happy, healthy and better than ever. Marya P.S. Why settle for 2 more years when with surgery you could have 5 or more?? [Posted in FML issue 1319]