I too am from Iowa and the best vet in the Ames /Des Moines area is : Robert Culver D.V.M. Heartland Animal Hospital 4110 University Avenue Des Moines, IA 50311 (515)255-4464 He did the adrenal surgery on our CD and at the same time he treated him for kidney stones. He is a wonderful vet and adores ferrets. He specialized in ferrets while in school. He has an exam room that is ferret proofed. I drive 2 hours to see him if I need to. I trust him completely with my kids. Hope this helps. Terry and the Energetic 18 [Posted in FML issue 1997]