My first little boy, a two year old sable Siamese, had a very big retching attack the night before last. His breathing was labored and he was frantic. He had never thrown up in his life. (Graphic coming up, don't eat while reading this part!) He dislodged some stuff that looke dlike bial(sp?) on his sister and he seemed to be a lot more comfortable, drinking water and falling asleep in the hammock. I made an emergency call to the vet (Dr. Doolan in Oakhurst, NJ) - shameless plug- and he called me back within the hour. We decided to bring him in in the morning as long as he stayed comfortable that night. The next morning Oso was up and running around but he ran in a corner and I followed with paper towel in hand but nothing was there. He was straining though so off we went to Unky Doolan. I left him for the day and an x-ray was done. His right kidney is the size of a chicken egg while the left looks normal - roughly the size of a kidney bean. The good doctor ran a urinalysis test but said that was normal, he is going to check for the chemicals that are produced by the kidneys - I can't remember the names- to see if they are functioning normally. It may be jut be a bacterial infection or it may need to be removed if it is spreading toxins through his body. As long as the other one is working, the procedure should be a success. If you have had any experience with kidney problems in your woozles, please send me some advice. On the brighter side, Oso has been on Lasix for his enlarged heart since January and that has shrunk almost to a normal size. A little good news is better than none! Keep us in your thoughts. Thanks, Kym, Widget, Tasha, and my poor baby booger, Oso Bad Baby Ferret. [Posted in FML issue 2729]