I wanted to respond to the reader whose ferret Rocky has an intestinal obstruction. Three years ago, one of my ferrets, Spot, had a hairball the size of an almond in his stomach. I learned that with hairballs or other obstructions that the ferrets will no pass them or regurgitate them. Unfortunately, we had to put him through a $500 dollar surgery. After a week, he began eating regularly and is now better than ever. To avoid this ever happening again, all of our ferrets receive Petromalt once a week (a oil, or petroleum based laxative). They especially get this during their seasonal shedding. It is important to realize that laxatives interfer with the absorption of certain vitamins and medications, so don't give too much or give it too frequently. As for foreighn bodies, we try to keep all rubber materials such as rubber bands, sponges, too soft chew toys, the inside rubbery shoe liners, and other small objects out of fuzzy reach. Our ferrets have injested some of these items but luckily the objects were small enough to be passed. Ferrets are small animals and by time they show symptoms of illness it is important to get them taken care of soon. I hope all works out well with your ferret. I know that this is a difficult time for any animal owner, and I wish you good luck. Sincerely, Betsy Blaskopf [Posted in FML issue 1488]