>>What can anyone tell me about jaundice in ferrets?... Jaundice the clinical symptom of too much bilirubin in the serum. The main source of bilirubin the metabolism of heme, which is from red blood cells. The body's bilirubin is maintained the balancing the production of bilirubin versus its metabolism and excretion (via a liver pathway). So jaundice can be caused primarily by one of two things. The increased destruction of red blood cells or by the lack of metabolism/excretion through the liver. I do not know of a common disease that routinely causes jaundice but I would strongly put one of two things on the list. Either an immune mediated red blood cell destruction (easily checked by a PCV) or a liver tumor (I would recommend your vet x-ray/ultrasound to check for hepatomegaly and if suspicious, do a fine needle aspirate and cytology. Mention to the vet that hemangiosarcoma is possible.). If the vet can get the blood, run a profile also. Check for bilirubin in the urine also. The diagnostic algorithm for causes of jaundice is pretty straight forward and most, if not all, can be accomplished in a well equipped animal hospital. As always, aggressive supportive care (incubator, force feeding, fluids - tread lightly if anemic) is warranted. I hope this helps a little. Mike Dutton, DVM, DABVP 603 529-4999 Weare Animal Hospital [Posted in FML issue 1418]