Silly question 101a: Can ferrets cough? I recently had an experience with a rescue ferret that alarmed me. He has only been with me a month and has already gained over a pound and by the size and brightness of his teeth, along with what appears to be remnants of baby fur, probably 7 - 9 mos old.. The other night I noticed he was having slight jerking spasms, [sorta like hiccups, but I am familiar with those] but more like dry heaves. Now sometimes when playing hard after just eating they may do this occasionally, but it is very rare. However, these were of irregular but persistent motions. He was not pawing at his mouth, nor did he vomit anything. When I noticed they weren't stopping, I immediately took him to the vet thinking he had swallowed something he should not have[he would make these little gasping sounds, talk about panic!]. The vet palpated, took x-rays, no pain or discomfort was presented, and no abnormality appeared....While on the way to the vet, he sneezed several times. Also, by the time I got to the vet, the spasms had reduced both in intensity and regularity but had not entirely disappeared. His bm was normal[as he could not wait to demonstrate this to the vet] and so was his eating and drinking, so it did not appear that he was in much danger. Still, I kept a watchful eye on him, listening to a stuffy nose, sneezing, and an occasional, mild spasm. His eating and stool remained normal for him[biggest poop I've ever seen from a ferret!] I also checked it to see if there was any abnormality in consistency, content, and color [what fun!]. I also gave him a little Pepto[5ml] in case his tummy was irritated. [The vet called the next morning to check up, and I reported everything appeared ok. So, is it possible that these spasms were the ferret equivalant of a cough? After all, ferrets do get colds, so how do they clear any congestion they may experience? My girlfriend also reported having a cold. Anyway, his sneezing has subsided, but his nose still sounds stuffy [not runny though], and he is not running a fever. Also, as of this writing, his spasms have stopped [he also appears to be in hyper-mode attacking the usual menagerie of air goblins]. I would appreciate any input from those "in the know". Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I am serious and concerned. Thanks in advance, alphachi [Posted in FML issue 1810]