Hi all! First of all, I want everyone to note the spelling of my account. I had a "dispute" with AOL and now my screen name will not be available for 6 months. Oh well! Ceyre- insulinoma ferrets are near and dear to my heart- my first insulinoma baby, Wolf, was 8 1/2 years old when he had his surgery for insulinoma, and lived to be almost 11. He was doing just fine on prednisolone twice a day after his surgery. Some of my later insulinomas were on both pred and proglycem, but the proglycem is rather expensive ($50.00 for 30 days' worth), so money may become a factor. Most of my ferrets under age 6 considered good candidates for surgery I will go ahead and have the surgery done, since my vet also checks for adrenals and other problems while in there. Good luck with your little guy, and always keep the emergency vets phone number nearby and a bottle of Karo syrup handy (this sugar is very easily absorbed during periods of hypoglacemic shock). If you ever see your ferret drooling, or lethargic, don't hesitate to take him to a vet!!! Time is always of the essence when you are dealing with a metabolism as fast as a ferrets'. Ferrets in water- I live on the Chesapeake Bay and during the spring and fall my ferrets and I enjoy a romp in the ocean. I always make sure to bathe them once they are inside to remove the sea salt, but the fuzzies that enjoy swimming have not seemed to suffer from this type of exposure. I would caution, however, about water temperature. Vacuums: I have two ferrets that are absolutely TERRIFIED of the vacuum. I make it a point when I am cleaning to move them into a bathroom where they are least exposed to the sound of the vacuum. I have no idea why they are so scared, but I try to respect them and their fears. Kelleen- I agonize with you on the ECE outbreak that you have. Thank God you have an experienced vet to assist you. I wish I could help, but 2000 miles separate us. If you need help, please don't ever think twice about asking, and especially about ECE. I have had three long years of dealing with it. Pam Grant - I will help with ferret overflow as much as I can - you are only 3 hours away, and any ferret is worth the drive. Just tell me what I can do to help, and I will be there! Lastly, prolapsed rectum - I have only had one ferret with a prolapsed rectum, and it was due to diet (duck soup). Hope was such a bad candidate for surgery, she was constantly monitored for quality of life. I agree, though, anytime you are in doubt, take them to another vet. I had two vets examine Hope, and both said surgery was not an option. We instead made her as comfortable as possible during her last days. That I think, is the most important thing. I hope today finds all ferrets happy and healthy. Lisa [Posted in FML issue 1708]