Our Starr girl began showing signs of abnormal activity last week. Lack of energy, little eating, drinking or stool production. She is only 3y 4m, but is a MF "product", apparently right on schedule with her health problems. We saw a local vet with some ferret knowledge, and he diagnosed an intestinal blockage,and/or swelling of the intestinal wall. She came back home for the weekend, but with little improvement. On monday, I delivered her to an exotic specialist, and the poor little dear has had to endure IV fluids, more xrays, blood work, an ultrasound and aspiration of an enlarged spleen. Abdominal fluid was also sampled for testing, and we are right now waiting (0930, 22 July) for cytology test results. Having lost 5 fuzzies in the last 3.5 years, 4 of them in just 14 months, we realize just how precious they are. Thankfully, we have the resources to be able to afford specialist veterinary services (to a point...). My wife has warmed to the notion of 'quality before quantity' when it comes to ferret life extension, and is cool on any surgery options at this time. Is there anyone out there on the FML with any suggestions on a course of action? I don't want to subject her unnecessarily to the knife, and I don't want her sweet life to end prematurely. Hug your fuzzies twice as much today, and tomorrow. Aren't Ferrets Great? [log in to unmask] Jeff with Hobbes, WAITING to get Starr! Snowy, Calvin, Rocky, Susie and Miss Katt playing at the Bridge... [Posted in FML issue 2750]