Hi there. Just dropped a line to give a Guy progress report. Over the past few days (since Saturday), Guy has been recovering his strength well. He is eating reasonably well (not as much as I'd like, but an improvement). he's waking a few more times every day - not sleeping all day as he was doing... Instead of dragging his rear, as he started doing, he is now walking more normally, although it tires him after a short time. The vet is happy with his progress at this date, as am I. He is still not up to par, nor will he be for some time, but his rapid improvement gives everyone here hope that he may recover to the extent that he will act like his old self fairly soon. It is autumn here in New Zealand, and I have a contrary cinnamon female who has just decided to go into season. With Guy out of action, I'm worried about the consequences of 'just leaving her', so I'm asking you all for suggestions. There are no vasectomised males within a two hour driving radius (and I don't have a car), if there are any at all in this country... Ferrets are an unusual pet in this part of New Zealand, which means the likelyhood of finding a whole male anywhere in my vicinity is close to nil. Since cinnamons are extremely rare here (I've only seen two others, one is her mother), I've been trying to breed Gemn. However she has never caught - next year is to be my last attempt. If she doesn't catch then, I'm planning to have her speyed. However, a litter at this time of year is definately NOT what I'm planning, so I'd like to know if there are other ways that ferrets can be brought out of season. As a matter of interest, some drugs available in the United States are not available in New Zealand, so any suggestions on what can be used instead of diazoxide for Guy would be appreciated. Currently, my vet believes that the prednisone and the change of diet should be enough, as he is responding so well, but I'd like a list "in case". Thanks for your support. Sam and the family, Ferrets: Gemn (tail-less wonder), Guy (lazy), Podo (my baby), Slinky (nickname Stinky) and Vader (crazy) Cats: Mule (stubborn as...) and Silver (whom everyone loves) Rainbow Lorikeets: Johnny (baldy) and Jeni (cute as a NOISY multi-coloured button) [Posted in FML issue 1875]