I have been a part of the ferret-digest for about two years now, and although I read it frequently, I often do not write or I send e-mail directly to a person. Now I need some help as I have in the past. I have an albino ferret who I rescued about 1 1/2 years ago. She was being beaten badly by a pet store and was extremely mean. She is now sweet and loveable and trying to learn to be a ferret. They get played with everyday and loved on lots and tonight as I was putting her to bed I noticed that her tail was turning black. Thought maybe this was from playing outside in the dirt yesterday. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that she is losing a lot of her tail fur (very unusual for her) and that she has black spots all over her tail. They are like blackheads that humans would get and they do pinch out, but very painful for her when I do that. She is playing, eating, pooping, and of course getting into as much trouble as usual. Does anybody have any idea what this could be? There are NO changes in her appetite or behavior. I have another ferret who loses ALL of his tail fur every summer. Seems to be part of his sheeding, but she just looks so bad. How do you get rid of the black on her tail or can you? Any help that anyone has would be welcome. Feel free to e-mail me directly at [log in to unmask] Thank you for your help! Laura Abu, Zazu (the one mom is worried about), Trixie, and Rifiki "May all your fuzzbutts be happy and healthy and have as much fun getting into moms plants as we do:-)" [Posted in FML issue 2761]