Dear FML folks, I am the happy new owner of a 5 mo. old female (sable) named Spot. I am new to the mailing list and wish I had had this resource with my first ferret, about whom I write this message. I got my first ferret in 1985; she and I were together for three years, until she developed an ultimately fatal illness that I would like try to identify now. The first symptoms of her illness were the loss of control of her rear legs; thereafter, her stool began to darken and she could not eat anything solid. She eventually lost control of her front legs and began to go into small, horrible seizures. The vet that I went to prescribed an antibiotic (I believe), but was not optimistic about her recovery. I carried her around with me all the time, hoping that she would get better, but finally, because she seemed so dazed and pained, I had her put to sleep. It was truly the most traumatic experience of my life and I would like to know what happened in case I see anything like that with my new little one. Does anyone recognize these symptoms? PS to [log in to unmask]: Good luck with your collection of advice on introducing new ferrets to the "business" -- I'll be interested in the result, as I am seriously considering a playmate for Spot ((is it better to introduce new ones as early as possible rather than waiting until Spot becomes mistress of all she surveys?). Final PS: This is anonymous because I live in Minneapolis, which is either a FFZ or, at least a FUZ ("Ferret Unfriendly Zone"). The FFZ list indicates that at least two people have successfully challenged tickest in Minneapolis. Does anyone know what the legal basis of such challenges were? Thanks, FFZ Tim and, of course, Spot ("Bring me a playmate!") [Posted in FML issue 1418]