David and/or Serena asked: >I've noticed kits that have slightly protruding rectums at the pet >shop where we bought our first fuzzie. Do these kits have prolapsed >rectums, and if so, what problems does this condition cause? [Preliminary comment: No, I'm not a vet, so don't take my advice as definitive.] From what I've seen, those kits in the pet store are fine. The prolased rectum I saw (in a photo) was red, bloody, and dirty, and stuck out probably half an inch. A slight protrusion of the rectum which doesn't appear irritated or look like it's causing any pain might be the same thing, but if so, it's a -very- mild case. If it looks just a little irritated, our vet recommended Preparation H. IMO, a lot of the apparent protrusion of the rectum in kits is just because their fur is short and thin; as they grow up it grows around the area and looks more like what we're used to. A prolapsed rectum is caused when the animal has difficulty defecating and strains hard enough to push out a section of the rectum. The underlying cause might be diarrhea, constipation, a blockage, or something else. Naturally, it's painful, and it can easily get infected. Treatment might include Preparation H, antibiotics, or surgery; ask a vet. -- - Pam Greene Ferret Central <http://www.optics.rochester.edu:8080/users/pgreene/> or send INDEX FERRET in email to <[log in to unmask]> [Posted in FML issue 1580]