I just recently "inherited" a very sick ferret. The little guy is probably about 5-6 weeks old. He barely has teeth and has to be fed by hand. He was bought from a local pet store and the following day I was contacted because he "wasn't acting right". When I got him, he was very lethargic and could barely open his eyes! I tried to get him to drink some water. I noticed that his belly was distended and that he had anal prolapse. He was pale and obviously dehydrated. I took him the the vet and was basically told that I should think twice about taking this little guy in-that it would be expensive to do testing and that he might not make it! Even though he was NOT my ferret, I HAD to do everything I could for him! One of the fecal tests came back positive for coccidia. This is a highly contagious intestinal parasite. The vet gave me some medication for him and told me to keep him isolated (away from my other pets-8 ferrets, 3 cats, 3 hamsters, and 1 hedgehog). The medication is a 6-day treatment plan and the ferret needs to have a repeat fecal test in 2 weeks. In the meantime, I found out that he may have been exposed to canine distemper! This pet store has had a history of selling pets with distemper! Another vet was contacted and he told us that he was just down at this store treating for distemper! If that is the case, the poor little guy doesn't stand a chance! The original owner of this pet wants her money back. She doesn't seem to care whether or not the ferret lives! She has already contacted several companies and threatened to take legal action, etc. Can anyone give me advice? If I agree to pay her the $230 for the ferret and he dies, then I am out of the money. On the other hand, if I give him back to her, she will take him back to the pet store and GOD only knows what will happen to him then! I've already paid $55 for vet fees on this ferret. It seems like I am the only one who cares about him! I CAN'T give him up! I don't want to see him die! But, technically he is NOT my ferret! HELP! P.S. Can anyone tell me how canine distemper is transmitted among ferrets? Can a ferret who has been vaccinated get it? What about my hedgehog? I would GREATLY appreciate any input or advice! Kathy [Posted in FML issue 1992]