Hi, I had a question regarding some vulvar changes in a female ferret of mine who I'm sure (due to her alopecia) has adrenal disease. I am wondering if these changes might be related to adrenocorticism and if anyone else has seen the same thing. Basically, a few months ago she presented with two areas on her vulva (on the inside) that looked like pencil lead (the tip of pencil) broken off and stuck under the skin. They were protruding in a way that made them visible (they are under the skin on the inside of her labia) and there was a third area that looked more like cottage cheese. They vet was concerned about the white stuff, treated her with antibiotics and that area subsequently disappeared. The other two areas are still present and haven't changed much. He said he thought they were the equivalent of blackheads but whether they are or aren't, I wonder if anyone else has seen this in association with hyperadrenocorticism. Her vulva has never been swollen aside from these two areas. I also had a couple of other skin related questions. I noticed recently people discussing areas of their ferrets that looked like crusted drops of blood. I admit to skimming the posts rather quickly. I am wondering if those are what I have seen on two areas of my eldest male, Bugsy. He has two areas about the size of a pinky nail that first presented as totally black crusty bloody scabs. Underneath was a raised, ulcerated-looking area. They appeared to heal over but remain enlarged and every once in while I find crusts of blood on them again. My vet said he thought they were plugged up sebaceous glands and not to worry. I am currently looking for second opinion just to be sure since they are awfully ugly to be the equivalent of pimples. The ulceration part concerns me (might be his picking at them or might be something else). Let me know if this is indeed similar to what you have been describing and perhaps what vets have told you. The third skin lesion I just noticed yesterday and haven't been to the vet about yet, but thought I'd just add it in once I was writing. I actually saw this a few months ago and thought it was simply a buise..more like what we called a 'blood blister' as kids: a large red area under the very most superficial layers of the skin. I simply assumed it was a bruise and that my boys had had a scrap in their cage while I was out one day. I am not sure if it has been around this entire time or if it just came back but it's here again (just smaller than the size of a quarter right now). I also noticed what looks like a small skin tag at the very center. If it turns out to be anything 'interesting' I'll post back to the FML. I just thought I'd see if it sounded familiar to anyone. :) I also want to give my thanks to all who have emailed me over my recent loss (Spikey) and to send my most heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones recently, fuzzy or not. This list is indeed wonderful in being able to share the joys, and sadly, pains of having been blessed with sharing the lives of some of the most incredible friends and companions a person could ever have. Michaela Maurice College of Veterinary Medicine Ohio State University Class of 2002 [Posted in FML issue 2832]