Hi. I've enjoyed reading the digest since I've subscribed. It's been very informative and helpful thus far. Now, I have a problem which I believe a vet out there may be able to give me a hand with. Over the past two days, my male sable (Guy) has been walking strangely. As he and my four little girls live outdoors much of the time, I moved all five inside, and have been keeping an eye on him. Today, although the situation is no worse, I sent Guy to be examined. I live in Whangarei, a town in the northern part of the North Island of New Zealand. Ferrets are few and far between here, and although my vet has been wonderful, they have little experience with ferrets, and are willing to take any information you have to give. However, my vet feels that Guys symptoms are similar to the 'wobbler syndrome' found in dogs and horses. She has never heard of this in ferrets, and wishes to know if this is possible. She has kindly written some details of this 'syndrome' for you to peruse, in the hopes someone can help. Sorry about the length... Wobbler dogs - Cervical vertebral malformation/ malarticulation (TB horses also affected by similar syndrome). Cervical spinal cord compression. Usually large breed dogs (dobermanns, great danes). Secondary to developmental malformations/ instability/ instability associated changes in the spinal canal. Males more than females. Frequently present in young great danes (stenosis (narrowing) of vertebral canal), and as malarticulation of caudal cervical vertebrae with spinal cord compression by secondary soft tissue hypertrophy in middle-aged/old dobermanns. Genetic predisposition/ overnutrition/ conformation all implicated in the development of this disorder. Clinical features: progressive weakness/ wobbly gait, especially of pelvic limbs. May be scuffing toesnails/ stiff gait in forelimbs. Usually slowly progressive, may see a traumatic episode resulting in an acute exacerbation or clinical signs. Dogs mildly ataxic/ tetraparetic. Rear limbs more severely affected. Overt pain over spinal rare unless secondary disc prolapse. Diagnosis: History/clinical signs/X-ray/CSF analysis/myelography Treatment: Medical or surgical (depends on severity/ onset X-ray/Myelogram). Cage rest. Corticosteroids. As far as she has seen, this seems to be what Guy has. She has not taken X-rays etc yet, having done a check-up and watched him for the day. If it is possible for ferrets to have 'wobbler syndrome', I would appreciate information to be sent to [log in to unmask] for me to pass on to my vet. Many thanks to those who answer (and those who feel for my baby, he's got to get cage rest!!). Sam [Posted in FML issue 1869]